Cosmetics Alliance brought together industry leaders, economists, trade experts, and government representatives on May 28 for its innovative new virtual Trade Symposium. With tariffs, geopolitical tensions, shifting trade relationships, and increasing pressure on global supply chains, the symposium was timely indeed!
While the discussions addressed many of the challenges facing businesses today, the overarching message was one of opportunity. As companies reassess sourcing strategies, diversify supply chains, and seek greater stability in an increasingly uncertain environment, Canada is emerging as a trusted and competitive partner for manufacturing, innovation, and international growth.
Throughout the symposium, speakers examined how the global trade landscape is evolving and what those changes mean for the beauty industry. Tariffs, energy costs, geopolitical tensions, and regulatory complexity are forcing companies to rethink long-standing assumptions about where products are manufactured, how ingredients are sourced, and which markets offer the greatest opportunities for growth.
A recurring theme throughout the day was that businesses are increasingly prioritizing resilience, predictability, and market access alongside cost. For many years, global supply chains were built primarily around efficiency and low-cost manufacturing. Today, companies are placing greater value on stability, regulatory certainty, and the ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions.
Against this backdrop, participants learned how Canada is uniquely positioned to benefit. In fact, manufacturing in Canada is becoming more cost-effective for cosmetics companies as compared to the U.S. and even Mexico as the many inputs for cosmetics (ingredients, packaging components, etc.) imported into Canada do not suffer tariffs. Canada’s strong regulatory framework, skilled workforce, manufacturing expertise, and reputation for quality provide a solid foundation for growth. Combined with preferential access to more than 50 countries through an extensive network of free trade agreements, Canada offers companies a stable platform from which to serve both domestic and international markets.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of looking beyond tariffs alone. Market access considerations, regulatory requirements, trade agreements, and consumer expectations are increasingly influencing business decisions. As global markets become more complex, access to reliable information, trusted partners, and government support programs will play a critical role in helping companies navigate change.
Participants also learned about the resources available through Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, including market intelligence, international business connections, funding opportunities, and export support programs designed to help Canadian companies expand into new markets and strengthen their international presence.
The symposium concluded with a discussion of how trade policy and economic uncertainty are influencing both business strategy and public sentiment. While challenges remain, there was broad agreement that periods of disruption often create opportunities for those prepared to adapt.
For Canada’s beauty industry, that opportunity is becoming increasingly clear. As global supply chains continue to evolve and companies search for reliable, high-quality partners, Canada is well positioned to play a larger role in the future of cosmetic manufacturing, ingredient supply, and international trade.
Presentation Highlights
Dennis Darby, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
Canadian Economic Outlook: Navigating a Storm of Trade, Energy, and Geopolitical Shocks
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Caroline Dale, Peacock Tariff Consulting
Canada’s Moment in the Cosmetic Supply Chain: How Tariffs are Reshaping Global Beauty Manufacturing
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Andrea Maltagliati, European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients
EU–North America Trade in Chemicals and Ingredients
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Michael Chuchmuch, VantageNorth Solutions
Why Some U.S. Beauty Brands Hesitate to Manufacture in Canada
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Louis Amato-Gauci, Miller Thomson LLP
From Uncertainty to Opportunity: How Canada Powers Global Growth in Cosmetics
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June Fontaine, Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Introduction to the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
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Anik Karimjee, Léger
Trade Dynamics and Impacts on the Canadian Beauty Market
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Members looking for access to the full symposium recording or copies of the presentations can contact ca@cosmeticsalliance.ca.
