According to the figures updated on February 5th 2021 by the Customs Department, the French cosmetics sector has experienced, internationally, a year of contrasts in 2020. In the midst of the health and economic crisis, it exported more than 15.7 billion euros of products: a drop of 11.8 % compared to 2019, but which remains more moderate than that of other sectors. In a press release, the FEBEA welcomes the fact that French cosmetics remains the second largest contributor to the positive balance of foreign trade, behind aeronautics.
French cosmetics is one of the most successful sectors of our economy: with 15.7 billion euros of products exported in 2020, France remains the world leader in cosmetics. The sector contributes strongly to the trade balance, with a positive balance of 10.6 billion euros this year.
Like the economy as a whole, the cosmetics industry has been impacted by the health and economic crisis that hit the world in 2020: its sales fell by 11.8% in one year.
However, exports have grown strongly to China, which is becoming the leading market for French cosmetics, ahead of Germany and the United States. Soap sales have also experienced strong growth.
Contrasted results
However, several interesting perspectives are to be noted, FEBEA stresses.
Exports to Asia are still encouraging and have progressed strongly towards China, which has grown by nearly 20.7% in one year. Among the categories that are on the rise, we note a very good performance of lip make-up: China is by far the first buyer of French lipsticks, with more than one out of four lipsticks exported. Similarly, all categories concerning skin care, creams and care products but also make-up for the complexion remain very popular with Chinese consumers.
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