The French cosmetics industry is continuing its strong international growth: over the first five months of the year, it exported 15.6% more than over the same period in 2022. This growth is mainly driven by the “Fragrance” and “Make-up and facial care” categories. The European Union remains the leading destination for French cosmetics exports, followed by the United States, while China is marking time.
After a very good year in 2022, the French cosmetics industry is continuing its growth in exports: between January and May 2023, the sector recorded year-on-year growth of 15.6%. The industry exported €8.6 billion over this period, compared with €7.4 billion in the first five months of 2022.
All categories of cosmetics products performed well. The “Make-up and facial care” and “Fragrance” categories stood out for their excellent performances, with growth of 16% and 16.7% respectively. These two categories alone account for almost 86% of French cosmetics exports.
Strong growth in Europe and the United States
The European Union remains the leading export market for French cosmetics: with €3.4 billion, the region accounts for more than a third of total exports. Over the first five months of 2023, these sales rose sharply: +26.1% compared with the same period in 2022.
Germany remains Europe’s biggest importer of French cosmetics, with sales up 22.2%. Spain, with growth of 22.6%, confirms its position as Europe’s second-largest market for the industry. Italy, with an increase of 21.3%, has consolidated its third place. In the EU zone as a whole, it is the “Make-up and facial care” category that is showing the strongest growth: it …
