Statement by Francine Lamoriello, EVP, Global Strategies Personal Care Products Council On the Impact of Tariffs on the Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Industry


August 23, 2018

Washington, D.C. – “The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) and its member companies remain strongly opposed to any policy that results in increased tariffs on our products. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposed list of tariffs, as it currently stands, will severely undermine U.S. interests and do nothing to advance the Administration’s policy goals. This is particularly true for the personal care products industry.

“The proposed list includes a significant number of cosmetics and personal care products such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, manicure and pedicure products, sunscreen, lipstick and fragrance, as well as some of their key ingredients. These products are essential for millions of American families. The proposed list will constitute a tax on cosmetics and personal care products, and the burden will unmistakably be felt by American families. The price increases on these products will also greatly curtail consumer choices relating to hygiene and health.

“Open markets help companies develop and provide the innovative products that consumers around the world trust and enjoy. These actions by the U.S. Administration against China would undermine the long term competitiveness of our industry, which is significantly dependent on global trade. This will not only hurt our industry but U.S. consumers as well.”