The country of haute couture is a fan of human expression of love for beauty thanks to its reputation as a beauty hub over the centuries. The multicultural and sophisticated consumer base, with growing expenditure on beauty and wellness products is a major cosmetics market driver, creating a constant demand for new and innovative items from around the world.
Among the largest economies in Europe and the most industrialized countries in the world, with no surprise the French cosmetics market is quickly recovering from the global Covid health crisis and is foreseen to be significantly growing in the following years, presenting many opportunities for cosmetics exporters.
1. Market context & export leadership
The French cosmetics industry remains very strong on the export side. In 2024, French cosmetics exports reached €22.5 billion (≈ US$23.2 billion), up +6.8% versus 2023.
This export performance underpins France’s position in the cosmetics value chain (production → global shipments) and helps shape import and supply-chain behaviours domestically.
2. France’s cosmetics imports: more modest growth & supply-chain observations
With exports strong, imports by France of cosmetic inputs, finished products and packaging remain relevant. According to French national statistics for “Chemicals, perfumes and cosmetics (CE)” imports (CIF basis) the series shows data up to 2025 albeit with lag.
The trend suggests France is importing finished and semi-finished cosmetic goods (or components) alongside its strong export flows — e.g., premium ingredients, packaging, etc.
Import trends & sourcing shifts
From the available data and industry commentary, several key trends emerge for 2023-2025:
Premiumisation & “Made in France” push
Despite import activity, there is a strong domestic drive to manufacture in France. For example, even amid a market slowdown, the cosmetics industry in France is opening new factories to cater to exports and premium segments.
This suggests that some goods which might previously have been imported are increasingly produced locally (or components are imported and value-added locally). From an importing perspective, this may reduce the volume of lower-value finished goods imports and increase higher-value component or packaging imports.
Increased competition, especially from Asia
France remains a major exporter, but its share of global exports has fallen — from over 20% twenty years ago to ~14%.
On the import side, this intensifies competition. For example, imports from Asian suppliers (such as South Korean brands) are gaining traction in the French market, thus changing the import basket profile.
This means French importers may increasingly look to Asia not just for raw materials/packaging, but finished and semi-finished cosmetic products.
Regulatory, tariff & supply-chain risks
Global trade conditions (tariffs, sourcing disruptions) are impacting import behaviour. For example, new US tariffs on European products have implications for sourcing and supply-chain decisions.
While this relates more to exports, importers in France may respond by diversifying supply origins or increasing local sourcing to mitigate risk.
4. Key figures to include (2024/25)
-
French exports (for context): €22.5 billion in 2024 (+6.8% y/y).
-
Cemetrics of trade: According to OEC data, France imported ~US$2.55 billion of “Beauty Products” in 2023 (7th largest importer globally) according to the OEC.
5. What this means for importers targeting France
If you are a cosmetics exporter or supplier looking at France as a market, or a French importer sourcing goods, the following implications apply:
-
Focus on premium segments: With France emphasising high-quality, “made in France” and export orientation, imports that support premium beauty (e.g., luxury packaging, novel actives, sustainable components) are likely to see demand.
-
Diversify origin: While the U.S. currently dominates supply shipments, there are rising competitor sources (Asia, Eastern Europe) and importers might increasingly look there.
-
E-commerce growth & niche segments: Digital sales channels (DTC, cross-border e-commerce) are growing — imports that cater to niche brands, indie beauty, natural/clean labels have opportunity.
-
Regulation & sustainability: Imports must meet EU/France regulatory requirements (cosmetics regulation, packaging, labelling, sustainability). Importers offering compliant, eco-conscious solutions may gain advantage.
-
Watch trade risks: Tariffs, supply-chain disruptions, currency fluctuations remain risks. Building flexibility in sourcing and logistics is key.