Market evolution: Hair preparations (CN 3305) — 2015–2025

Introduction

This report analyses the evolution of the European Union's trade in hair preparations (Customs code 3305) with non-EU countries over the period 2015 to 2025. The product category encompasses shampoos, hair lacquers, permanent waving preparations, and other hair products. Over the eleven-year period, the EU has solidified its position as a net exporter in this sector, with trade values growing significantly. The growth has been characterised by strong export performance, a notable diversification of import sources, and a general trend of rising unit prices.

1. Surging exports confirm the EU as a dominant net supplier

The EU's trade balance for hair preparations has been consistently positive and expanding throughout the period. This section details the scale and drivers of the EU's robust export performance.

1.1. The EU's trade surplus expanded by over 50%

The EU maintains a large and growing trade surplus in this category. The trade balance value increased from €1.69 billion in 2015 to €2.59 billion in 2025, representing a 53.6% increase. This indicates that the EU's production capacity and brand strength in hair care significantly exceed its domestic consumption, allowing for substantial net exports.

1.2. Export value grew faster than volume, driven by price increases

The growth in export value has outpaced the growth in exported quantity, pointing to price inflation and a possible shift towards higher-value products.

Source: General Overview

While export volumes grew by a substantial 16.6%, the 58.9% surge in value was largely propelled by a 36.3% rise in average export prices. This suggests EU exporters have successfully passed on increased costs or are commanding premium prices for their products.

1.3. Key export partners show divergent trends

The United States became the top single-country export destination by 2025, with exports growing by 86.2%. Ukraine also saw exceptional growth (187.8%). Meanwhile, exports to the Russian Federation, the second-largest partner, remained relatively flat (-2.3%), likely reflecting geopolitical and economic constraints.

Source: Top partners by value

2. Import growth reflects global sourcing and shifting partnerships

While the EU is a net exporter, its import bill has also risen sharply. This growth is characterised by a diversification away from traditional partners towards emerging economies.

2.1. Import value growth has outstripped that of exports

The value of EU imports grew by 72.5% (from €653 million to €1.13 billion), a faster rate than the 58.9% growth in exports. Similar to exports, this was driven more by price (a 46.2% increase in average import price) than volume (an 18.0% increase in quantity).

2.2. The United Kingdom remains the top import source, but the market is diversifying

The Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) for import concentration by value fell from 2822 in 2015 to 1991 in 2025, a 29.4% decrease. This indicates a significant reduction in import market concentration and increased diversification.

The United Kingdom has remained the largest single import partner throughout the period. However, several emerging economies have dramatically increased their presence in the EU market.

Source: Top partners by value

The triple-digit growth rates for imports from Türkiye, China, and Brazil highlight a major geographical shift in sourcing. This diversification may be a strategic response to supply chain risks, cost pressures, or the growth of new consumer brands from these regions.

3. Rising prices and sector specialisation define the market structure

Underlying the value growth in both exports and imports is a pervasive trend of rising prices. Meanwhile, production data and specialisation indices reveal a mature industry with distinct national strengths within the EU.

3.1. Unit prices have increased consistently across all sub-products

Analysis of the product segment breakdown shows that average prices per tonne have risen for both imports and exports across all major sub-categories (330510, 330520, 330530, 330590) between 2015 and 2025. For instance, the average price for imported "other hair preparations" (330590) increased from €7,781/t to €11,222/t.

3.2. EU production value grew modestly, lagging behind trade growth

The EU's domestic production value for this category grew by 18.2% over the period (from €4.88 billion to €5.77 billion). This is a slower growth rate than that seen in export value (+58.9%), suggesting that the expansion of the EU's external trade is a key driver for the sector's growth, outpacing domestic output increases.

3.3. Specialisation reveals a core of leading EU producer nations

Based on specialisation indices for 2025, certain EU members have a strong revealed comparative advantage (RCA > 1) in exporting hair preparations. France (RCA 1.94), Italy (1.59), and Denmark (1.51) are among the most specialised. Conversely, members like Ireland and Malta have very low specialisation indices, indicating they are not significant producers or exporters relative to their overall trade profile.

Conclusion

The EU market for hair preparations (CN 3305) demonstrated strong expansion between 2015 and 2025, driven primarily by a robust and price-led export sector. The EU's status as a major net exporter was reinforced, with its trade surplus growing significantly. Key trends include a strategic diversification of import sources away from the UK and towards emerging economies like Türkiye, China, and Brazil, which has reduced import concentration. Rising unit prices have been a pervasive feature, boosting the total value of both exports and imports. While EU production grew, the dynamism of external trade highlights the sector's global integration and the competitive strength of key producer nations within the bloc.