China's demand for cosmetic imports remains strong—imports in January 2007 increased by 40 and 84 percent, respectively, in volume and value compared to that in the previous year.
As China's living standard and disposable incomes continue rising, so does consumer demand for cosmetic imports. China's total cosmetic imports in 2006 increased by 62 percent to 12,988 MT from 8,019 MT in 2004, and China's total import volume in the first month of 2007 increased by 40 percent compared to January 2006.
China's total import value for cosmetics in 2006 reached $276.5 million, a 94 percent increase from $142.8 million in 2004. China's total import value in the first month in 2007 increased by 84 percent compared to January 2006. The United States is the second largest supplier to China after France, accounting for 26 and 21 percent respectively in China's total import volume and value in 2006.