Statement by Lezlee Westine, President and CEO Personal Care Products Council In Response to EU Tariff Retaliation

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Washington, D.C. – “Cosmetics and personal care products companies are truly global and dependent on open markets.  An open and vibrant international trade market is critical to the strength of our industry and significantly contributes to our ability to expand manufacturing and employment.  As such, our industry is strongly opposed to any policy that results in increased tariffs affecting U.S. – E.U. trade. PCPC and the cosmetics industry have strongly supported efforts to expand free trade in the past, including through convergence of regulatory requirements, and will continue to advocate for these policies in the future.

“The U.S. cosmetics industry has a robust exchange with markets and consumers in the European Union.  U.S. cosmetics manufacturers export $3 billion annually to the European Union, which includes products exported by European-owned companies with manufacturing facilities in the United States. Furthermore, the cosmetics industry accounts for nearly $237 billion to U.S. GDP and supports 3.6 million domestic jobs – in the cosmetics industry as well as advertising, packaging, and transportation – that earned $144.3 billion in wages and incomes.

“Given the important relationship between U.S. and E.U. markets, PCPC will continue to be a strong voice in support of thoughtful trade policies that enhance our ability to serve U.S. consumers, grow American jobs and contribute to our economy.”