In the first half of 2015, French exports of cosmetic products increased in almost all regions of the world and the sector's trade balance grew again with a trade surplus of 4.6 billion euros (+6.21% compared to 2014). A figure which rejoices the FEBEA, the professional union representing the manufacturers of cosmetic products operating in France.
FEBEA press release
This situation confirms the national dynamism of the cosmetics sector, the second largest export sector in the French economy.
The European Union remains the leading market with 47.7% of exports (nearly €3 billion in the first half of 2015), far ahead of Asia (15.9%), which ranks second.
In parallel, the United States is the destination where exports are experiencing the strongest growth (+25.67% compared to the 1st half of 2014).
The increase in exports was also driven by flows to the Near and Middle East (+19%) and Latin America (+12.26%).
European countries outside the European Union, on the other hand, experienced a significant drop in exports (-11.26%).
Comment by Armand Guyon, Head of Economic and International Affairs at FEBEA:"These figures are extremely positive and confirm the growth trends we observed last year. Trade balances are in surplus in all regions of the world. These results confirm France's position on the international cosmetics market". Armand Guyon, FEBEA Economic and International Affairs Officer".
As a reminder, cosmetics companies directly employ 42,000 people in France. Cosmetics is also the 2nd sector in terms of patent applications.
