After two consecutive years of decline, the Brazilian hygiene, perfumery and cosmetics sector resumed growth in 2017. According to ABIHPEC, the whole market grew by 2.77% (once taxes and inflation have been deducted).
While the first signs of the economy recovery are still considered with caution by the Brazilian Association of the Personal Hygiene, Perfumery and Cosmetics Industry (ABIHPEC), the trade association noted that in the first two months of the year 2018 the industry has achieved a trade surplus of US$ 9.6 million. The figures are contrasting with the deficit recorded all over the course of 2017. A situation which, according to ABIHPEC, was due to "an excessively high taxation of products reducing its competitiveness on foreign markets."
In January and February, the Brazilian industry exported US$ 109.9 million, a growth of 16.5% over the same period of the previous year. Imports reached US$ 100.3 million, down 0.8% on the same basis of comparison. In February, exports (US $ 3.9 million) were greater than imports and reached US$ 8.8 million. The last sectorial surplus ((US$ 3.9 million) had been recorded in May 2017.
The highlights of the period were shaving preparations and razor blades, that have recorded continuous export growth, and deodorants, that have registered continuous drop in importation.
ABIHPEC remains cautious regarding the recovery in the first two months of 2018, considering that competition on foreign markets remains extremely harsh.
