China Emerges as Rising Star in Brazilian Cosmetics Export Market
The global cosmetics market is developing rapidly, with new participants constantly entering. According to data from the International Trade Center, while France, the United States, and Germany maintain their positions as the top three cosmetics exporters worldwide, China has emerged as a formidable newcomer. China has surpassed Spain in cosmetics export trade and is gradually approaching Italy - a change that is particularly evident in Brazil. In 2024, Chinese cosmetics accounted for 5.8% of Brazil's total cosmetics imports, a significant increase of 47% compared to the previous year.
From Skepticism to Acceptance: China's Cosmetics Gain Traction in Brazil
"Just five or six years ago, Brazilians still held biases against Chinese products," explained Rodrigo Giraldelli, an expert in trade relations between Brazil and China and CEO of China Gate. "But China's industrial development is extremely rapid. We can see strong evidence of this in multiple industries such as electronics, shipbuilding, and the recently booming new energy vehicle industry. Obviously, the Chinese cosmetics industry has also made similar progress."
Giraldelli believes that the domestic market in China plays an important role in improving the quality of local supply. "Chinese consumers have more stringent requirements, which not only forces manufacturers to continuously improve product quality, but also benefits the improvement of export product quality."
Explosive Growth in Key Categories
- Chinese cosmetics now represent 5.8% of Brazil's total cosmetics imports, valued at $56 million (approximately RMB 408 million).
- Year-over-year growth (2023–2024): +47%
- Two-year growth (2022–2024): +80%
- Lip products: +614%
- Pressed powder: +114%
- Eye makeup: +52%
- Other color cosmetics: +223%
"This growth wouldn't be possible without consistent improvements in product quality," Giraldelli emphasized. "Brazilian consumers have tried these products, found them appealing, and demand has grown accordingly. With strong quality and competitive pricing, Chinese cosmetics have secured a favorable position in Brazil's beauty market."
E-Commerce as a Growth Accelerator
Giraldelli also emphasized another key factor driving the growth of Chinese cosmetics imports: the increasing popularity of large Chinese e-commerce platforms such as AliExpress and Shein in Brazil. Due to their extremely aggressive prices, their competitiveness in the local market has sharply increased, forcing local distributors in Brazil to compress their profit margins.
When asked whether local distributors would sell Chinese cosmetics for profit through improper means, Giraldelli said that cosmetics imported into Brazil are usually subject to supervision by the Brazilian National Health Supervision Agency (ANVISA). "Importers must complete relevant procedures to ensure that their products meet the quality and safety standards required for selling products in Brazil."
Future Outlook: Sustained Growth Ahead
In addition, the expert predicts that Brazil's consumption of Chinese cosmetics will continue to grow in the coming years. "The excellent cost-effectiveness of these (Chinese cosmetics) products should increasingly attract Brazilian beauty consumers." Giraldelli concluded.
