Since 2022, the UK has maintained a negative trade balance with regard to trade in cosmetic products.
This has been following a downward trend having reached over £1.6bn in 2025, a 15% decrease compared with 2024.
The trade deficit is the difference between the value of exports and imports. The UK’s exports have been relatively steady over the last five years, increasing at a rate of 6%. However, our reliance on imports has increased dramatically. Compared with 2021, the UK has seen an increase of 61% on the value of imports, a difference of over £2bn.
Our main trading partner remains the EU. The value of UK exports to the EU was £2.7bn, representing 68% of our outgoing trade. Meanwhile, the value of EU imports has grown significantly over the last few years, with an overall increase of 68% compared with 2021. Currently, 65% of all UK imports originate from an EU country.
CTPA works closely with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), with Civil Servants in the UK and abroad, with international Embassy colleagues and sister trade associations to conceive solutions together and overcome potential barriers, existing and potential. We’re proud of our long-standing reputation as a science-led, solutions-focused expert invited to shape the future of policies abroad that promote industry progress while protecting consumer safety.
UK trading with the world
UK trading outside of the EU
For more information on 2025 market statistics, see CTPA's Annual Report 2025 here.
Source: https://www.uktradeinfo.com
(2024-2025 data as of Q1 2026)
