Having loved years of report export figures, the French cosmetics and fragrance trade believed itself protected towards the a number of elements which have decimated a lot of France’s industrial base. However the election of Donald Trump launched a doubtlessly devastating wrench right into a seemingly well-oiled machine.
Double whammy
In 2024, French cosmetics exports to the USA reached almost 3 billion euros, with perfumes accounting for about half of the overall. The U.S. have been the main marketplace for French cosmetics exports. But, the commerce insurance policies launched by the Trump administration and the European Union’s subsequent capitulation have considerably reshaped the aggressive atmosphere.
Tariffs that had beforehand been zero or near zero for a lot of beauty merchandise exported to the USA rose to 15% on the finish of July 2025. Extra duties of fifty% have been imposed on sure metallic packaging elements on August 19, 2025. This tariff shock was additional amplified by the deliberate depreciation of the greenback, which routinely made European merchandise costlier within the American market.
In line with consulting agency Astérès, this double blow might trigger French cosmetics exports to the USA to fall by 21% by 2026 — a loss equal to 620 million euros in income. If not offset, the decline might result in the lack of as much as 2,700 direct and eight,200 oblique jobs.
Preliminary results
A factual evaluation of the newest obtainable customs information reveals that French cosmetics exports to the USA declined by 12.7% within the first half of 2025 — that’s, earlier than the brand new customs duties took impact. This decline is especially attributed to stock changes pushed by importers’ expectations on the finish of 2024.
Trying on the quarterly outcomes revealed by listed teams corresponding to Interparfums and L’Oréal for the reason that tariff measures took impact, the affect on gross sales doesn’t seem vital. Total, gross sales have remained steady and even elevated. Nevertheless, the alternate price impact ensuing from the weaker greenback has almost offset these good points.
Moreover, reorganizations of worth chains are undoubtedly underway. Main teams corresponding to L’Oréal, The Estée Lauder Corporations, and Procter & Gamble have indicated that they’re streamlining their provide chains to fabricate as shut as potential to their finish markets. These measures will primarily have an effect on essentially the most price-sensitive objects, specifically inside the make-up and hair care classes.
Motion plan
In response to what it views as alarming prospects, FEBEA is asking for robust mobilization round its Magnificence Trade Package deal— an motion plan aimed toward safeguarding the competitiveness of France’s cosmetics and fragrance sector.
The roadmap goals to: diversify exports through new free commerce agreements; consolidate the European market by facilitating the motion of merchandise made in Europe; simplify the regulatory framework; and higher sort out unlawful practices, together with counterfeiting and illicit gross sales.
“We can’t stand by. We name on European and French decision-makers to offer the sources wanted to keep up our international management, with out introducing pointless issues to our working framework,” mentioned Emmanuel Guichard, Basic Delegate of FEBEA.
