French cosmetics exports surge 12% in 2017

In 2017, French cosmetics exports were valued at 13.6 million euros, up 12% compared to 2016, according to France's main beauty industry council, the Fédération des Entreprises de la Beauté (FEBEA). The sector, in the same year, recorded a positive trade balance of 10.5 billion euros, which increased by almost 14% on last year.

"The 2017 results confirm France's position as the international markets leader. We can celebrate the renown for French cosmetics, which continues to attract the foreign markets thanks to this unique, made in France craftsmanship," said Patrick O’Quin, FEBEA president.

By category, wellbeing and perfume products still represented three quarters of total cosmetic exports leaving France -- some 44.3% for wellbeing products and 31% for fragrance -- while makeup witnessed good momentum, showing an increase of 28%.

In the European Union, exports rose 6.2%, lead by Germany, the UK, Italy and Spain, which represented four of the top five importers of French cosmetics in 2017.

In Asia, exports increased 25% on last year, with a 30% uptick in China and Singapore.

"Asia proved truly dynamic, after a year 2015 without growth in 2015 and with 2016 marked by a timid increase (+9% in 2016)," said the FEBEA. Overall, some 20% of French products headed for Asia, or 2.6 billion euros worth.

North America posted a 19% increase in exports, driven notably by a 20% rise in the United States, the second largest destination for French cosmetics exports.

Boosted by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, exports to the Middle East were up 13.1%. Finally, North Africa is the only zone to experience a downturn in 2017, with exports down by 14%.

French cosmetics exports surge 12% in 2017

See also