French Cosmetics Exports Poised for First Drop in Over Two Decades in 2025

France’s globally acclaimed beauty and cosmetics sector is facing a rare setback in 2025. According to the French Federation of Beauty Companies (FEBEA), exports of French-made beauty products are on track to fall — a decline not seen in at least 20 years outside the exceptional circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic.

FEBEA’s data shows that during the first ten months of 2025, the value of cosmetics exports totaled approximately €18.75 billion, marking a 1.16% drop compared with the same period in 2024. Historically, the industry has enjoyed steady annual growth of around 6%, but this trend appears to have reversed.

Industry leaders point to increased customs duties in the United States — France’s largest single export market — as the principal cause of the downturn. Exports to the U.S. have plunged by an estimated 18%, while shipments to other regions including the European Union (+4%) and China (+2%) continue to show modest gains.

Meanwhile, French imports of beauty products have risen by about 6%, led by online purchases from China and South Korea — a reflection of growing global consumer interest in K-Beauty trends.

This shift has eroded France’s trade surplus: by the first ten months of 2025, the cosmetics trade balance stood at €14.29 billion, down roughly €473 million from the same period last year.

Despite the current headwinds, FEBEA maintains that the French beauty industry remains a major contributor to the national economy and still holds a strong global position. The federation highlights the potential benefits of the EU-India free trade agreement, which could open a market of up to 70 million consumers for French beauty brands.

FEBEA also stresses the need for renewed focus on innovation and competitiveness to counter intensifying global competition — particularly from South Korea, whose beauty exports have surged in recent years.