Cosmetics import 5 times bigger than the export in the first quarter

Total export of washing and cosmetics products in the first three months was 21,1 mil dollars, while the import was 5 times bigger – around 100 mil dollars, it was announced yesterday (May, 08th, 2008) at the assembly of the Union for chemical, pharmaceutical and rubber industry of the Chamber of commerce of Serbia.

Export of ether oils, cosmetics and toilette products, in the first three months of this year, when compared to the same period of the last year, was almost doubled, while import of the same period was 30% bigger.

Export of soaps and surface active remedies is bigger for 7% than the last year, while import is 11% bigger than in the first three months of 2007.

The main export market of cosmetics in the last year, were the countries in our surroundings, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia, while import products are originally from European Union countries, such as Slovenia and Romania. One of the reasons for import from these countries is that multinational companies now have all their production in these countries, and large quantities of goods are purchased from those plants.

Total import-export of cleaning and washing remedies and cosmetic products in the last year registered a growth of 40,9% when compared to 2006, according to the data of Statistical bureau of the Republic, and deficit in the exchange was 241,4 mil dollars and is still big, increased for 18,4% compared to 2006.