This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.
Last Published: 3/7/2017

Overview                                                                                            

Madagascar imports very few cosmetic products from the United States, despite the fact that U.S. products tend to be cheaper than those from Europe.  There are no large domestic producers of cosmetic products in Madagascar, but the country is a major source of the essential oils used as a raw input in their production.  The value of cosmetic product imports has remained steady at around USD 1.9 million per year, but with expectations of economic growth projected over the next few years, an increase in demand is probable. 
 
     Unit: USD thousands
 201320142015
(Jan-May)		2016
(estimated)
Total Market SizeN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total Local ProductionN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total Exports21614030N/A
Total Imports1,9212,182714N/A
Imports from the U.S.45305N/A
Exchange Rate 1 USD2,308.322,414.812,238.88N/A
Total Market Size= (Total Local Production + Total Imports) - (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: N/A
Total Exports: Malagasy Customs (FOB)
Total Imports: Malagasy Customs (CIF)
Imports from U.S.: Malagasy Customs (CIF)
Products covered are within HTS Chapter 3304 – Cosmetics and prepared make up, skin products.

Opportunities                                                                                  

In 2014, the value of imported cosmetic products to Madagascar (HTS 3304) totaled USD 2.1 million, of which USD 30,000 came from the United States.  With projected growth in urbanization, the demand for these products is expected to grow.  The main competitors for U.S. imports in this sector are from China and France, with the former exporting cheaper products and the latter exporting high quality products, leaving a market segment in the middle ripe for exploitation by U.S. firms.  The best way to enter the market would be through an agent distributor or by contacting business associations.

Resources                                                                     

For additional information on export opportunities in cosmetics, potential exporters can contact the Ministry of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce, or other business associations.  Please also do not hesitate to contact the Embassy’s Political-Economic Section for more information.
 
 

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