China's professional skin care market to surpass U.S.

* CHINA: The Chinese market for professional skin care products posted a 15% gain in 2006. This rate outpaced the U.S. and European markets and is expected to continue during the next five years, according to Kline & Company, Fair Lawn, NJ. Kline reports that China's professional skin care market is worth $720 million at the manufacturer's level and is gaining ground on the $870 million U.S. market. Th study forecasts annual growth of nearly 15% in China through 2011, compared to just over 9% for the U.S. market. This will push sales in China past the $1.4 billion mark--and the U.S. market--within this timeframe. More info: www.klinegroup.com.