Japan welcomes SA cosmetic imports

THE HUGE demand, and the fast changing fashion in cosmetic products, makes Japan an attractive market for SA manufacturers and suppliers, according to the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO). "Japan is actively encouraging SA cosmetics companies to trade with Japan," said a statement released to FTW by International Trade Projects on behalf of JETRO. But the organisation suggests that companies should do their homework before targeting this complex marketplace - especially if they intend to enter either or both the manufacturing and retail sectors in Japan. Imports to the country, according to JETRO statistics, grew steadily between 1994 and 1998 at an average rate of 18.5% in volume and 15.2% in value. Special purpose cosmetics accounted for 50% of total imports, while skin care and make-up products made up 42%. In 1998, Japan imported approximately 32 000-tons of cosmetics, worth almost US$700-million. The total cosmetics market in that country is estimated to be growing at about 2.8% a year.