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South Africa - Cosmetics - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights
Report Update: May 1, 2025

South Africa - Cosmetics - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights

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Jun 3, 2024

South African Cosmetics Exports Drop 3% to $306 Million in 2023

South Africa Cosmetics Exports

Cosmetics exports from South Africa expanded markedly to 63K tons in 2023, increasing by 6.9% on 2022. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% from 2013 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2023 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, cosmetics exports reduced to $306M (IndexBox estimates) in 2023. The total export value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% over the period from 2013 to 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when exports increased by 20% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $324M. From 2022 to 2023, the growth of the exports remained at a lower figure.South Africa Cosmetics Exports By Country (Million USD)

COUNTRYExport Value of Cosmetics in South Africa (million USD)
20132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Zimbabwe19.321.022.317.521.421.415.823.424.630.040.7
Botswana23.921.221.519.422.325.226.524.728.930.032.0
Namibia30.334.837.631.334.235.331.726.730.832.431.4
United States8.012.412.513.516.418.017.224.733.425.626.3
Zambia10.812.110.412.614.415.813.016.614.715.114.2
Mozambique4.54.75.34.45.07.38.210.110.710.914.2
United Kingdom22.215.816.816.217.824.816.718.020.319.311.9
Japan10.810.89.99.310.012.911.615.418.212.89.8
Others111122108106112121116112143138126
Total241255244231253282257271324314306

Exports by Country

Zimbabwe (12K tons), Namibia (6.5K tons) and Zambia (6.2K tons) were the main destinations of cosmetics exports from South Africa, together accounting for 39% of total exports. Botswana, Mozambique, the United States, the UK and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 17%.

From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Mozambique (with a CAGR of +9.4%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($41M), Botswana ($32M) and Namibia ($31M) appeared to be the largest markets for cosmetics exported from South Africa worldwide, together accounting for 34% of total exports. the United States, Zambia, Mozambique, the UK and Japan lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 25%.

the United States, with a CAGR of +12.7%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, in terms of the main countries of destination over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Exports by Type

Beauty, make-up and skin care preparations (59K tons) was the largest type of cosmetics exported from South Africa, with a 94% share of total exports. It was followed by manicure or pedicure preparations (1.5K tons), with a 2.4% share of total exports. The third position in this ranking was held by lip make-up preparations (1.4K tons), with a 2.2% share.

From 2013 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the volume of beauty, make-up and skin care preparations exports totaled +5.3%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: manicure or pedicure preparations (+6.4% per year) and lip make-up preparations (-6.3% per year).

In value terms, beauty, make-up and skin care preparations ($287M) remains the largest type of cosmetics exported from South Africa, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by lip make-up preparations ($7.4M), with a 2.4% share of total exports. It was followed by manicure or pedicure preparations, with a 2.4% share.

From 2013 to 2023, the average annual rate of growth in terms of the value of beauty, make-up and skin care preparations exports totaled +3.6%. With regard to the other exported products, the following average annual rates of growth were recorded: lip make-up preparations (-4.8% per year) and manicure or pedicure preparations (-4.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2023, the cosmetics price amounted to $4,878 per ton (FOB, South Africa), falling by -8.9% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price continues to indicate a mild reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 15%. The export price peaked at $5,532 per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2023, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2023, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Botswana ($5,501 per ton), while the average price for exports to Singapore ($2,143 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2013 to 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Zimbabwe (+4.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the cosmetics market in South Africa. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

  • Prodcom 20421250 - Lip make-up preparations
  • Prodcom 20421270 - Eye make-up preparations
  • Prodcom 20421300 - Manicure or pedicure preparations
  • Prodcom 20421400 - Powders, whether or not compressed, for cosmetic use (including talcum powder)
  • Prodcom 20421500 - Beauty, make-up and skin care preparations including suntan (excluding medicaments, lip and eye make-up, manicure and pedicure preparations, powders for cosmetic use and talcum powder)

Country coverage:

  • South Africa

Data coverage:

  • Market volume and value
  • Per Capita consumption
  • Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
  • Trade (exports and imports) in South Africa
  • Export and import prices
  • Market trends, drivers and restraints
  • Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

  • Take advantage of the latest data
  • Find deeper insights into current market developments
  • Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

  1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
  2. How to load your idle production capacity
  3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
  4. How to increase your profit margins
  5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
  6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
  7. How to outsource production to other countries
  8. How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

  1. 1. INTRODUCTION

    Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

    1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
    2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
    3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
    4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

  2. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    A Quick Overview of Market Performance

    1. KEY FINDINGS
    2. MARKET TRENDSThis Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO

  3. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

    Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

    1. MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. MARKET STRUCTURE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    3. TRADE BALANCE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2035

  4. 4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

    Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

    1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
    2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
    3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
    4. MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORTS

  5. 5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

    Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

    1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
    3. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
    4. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

  6. 6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

    Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

    1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
    3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
    4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

  7. 7. PRODUCTION

    The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

    1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)

  8. 8. IMPORTS

    The Largest Import Supplying Countries

    1. IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
    3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)

  9. 9. EXPORTS

    The Largest Destinations for Exports

    1. EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
    3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)

  10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

    The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

  11. LIST OF TABLES

    1. Key Findings In 2024
    2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    3. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    4. Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    7. Import Prices, By Country, 2012–2024
    8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    10. Export Prices, By Country, 2012–2024

  12. LIST OF FIGURES

    1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    2. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    7. Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    8. Market Volume Forecast to 2035
    9. Market Value Forecast to 2035
    10. Market Size and Growth, By Product
    11. Average Per Capita Consumption, By Product
    12. Exports and Growth, By Product
    13. Export Prices and Growth, By Product
    14. Production Volume and Growth
    15. Exports and Growth
    16. Export Prices and Growth
    17. Market Size and Growth
    18. Per Capita Consumption
    19. Imports and Growth
    20. Import Prices
    21. Production, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    22. Production, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    23. Imports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    24. Imports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    25. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
    26. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    27. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    28. Import Prices, By Country, 2012–2024
    29. Exports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    30. Exports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    31. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
    32. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    33. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    34. Export Prices, By Country, 2012–2024

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