Growth In Domestic Sales Shows China's Cosmetics Market Strong Despite Drop In Imports

Retail sales of cosmetics in China grew 16.5 percent to reach 107.7 billion yuan ($17.3 billion) in the first 10 months of 2012, according to data from the country’s National Bureau of Statistics. This shows that China’s cosmetics market is still growing despite the decline in cosmetics imports revealed by the China Luxury Report 2012. Also, the market’s leading international companies, such as Estee Lauder Companies Inc., Mary Kay Inc., and Shiseido Group, have announced significant expansion plans in the country. Euromonitor International Ltd.’s Beauty and Personal Care in China 2012 report, which looks at multinationals operating in the China cosmetics market, showed Estee Lauder has launched Osiao, a brand designed for Chinese consumers.