Shanghai customs sees surge in cosmetics imports from Japan

Shanghai customs [Photo/IC]

Imports of Japanese cosmetics and beauty products to China increased multifold in 2018 to a record high of 6.29 billion yuan ($927.75 million), up 98.4 percent year on year, according to the latest figures from Shanghai customs.

In 2018, sales of cosmetic products in the Shanghai market increased by more than 15 percent compared with the previous year, suggesting that they have become an indicator of growing Chinese consumption in recent years, said a report from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce.

Earlier this year, Japanese cosmetics giant Shiseido opened a new China Business Innovation and Investment Representative Office in Shanghai with the aim of building alliances with startups and innovating to meet the needs of Chinese consumers.

A customer tries products at a Clé de Peau Beauté counter, the most premium brand from Shiseido in a shopping mall in Shanghai. [Photo/IC]

Shanghai customs also reported an increased volume of imports in integrated circuits and automobiles from Japan, standing at 37.8 billion and 10.56 billion yuan, up 10.5 and 6.6 percent respectively.

In terms of exports, mechanical and electrical products from China were warmly welcomed in the neighboring country last year. They were up 4.9 percent year-on-year and accounted for 50.8 percent of the total exports to Japan over the period.

Shanghai is one of China's largest ports for foreign trade. At present, Japan is the fourth largest export market and the second source of imports of Shanghai customs.