In 2023, French cosmetics exports broke through the symbolic 20 billion barrier for the first time, increasing by 10.8% in one year to reach 21.3 billion. This performance puts the cosmetics sector in second place behind aeronautics in terms of trade surpluses. The European Union remains the leading destination for cosmetics exports, followed by the United States and China.
After a record year in 2022, French exports of cosmetic products recorded excellent growth in 2023. For the first time, they passed the symbolic €20 billion mark. With exports rising from 19.3 billion in 2022 to 21.3 billion in 2023, the sector has achieved growth of 10.8% in one year.
This performance confirms France’s position as world leader in cosmetics. The sector is now the second-largest contributor to the positive balance of trade, behind the aeronautics sector and ahead of wines and spirits.
Among the categories driving growth the most, make-up and facial care products come out on top, with an increase of +9.9% (€11 billion), followed by perfumes, up +10.5% (€7.1 billion). Exports of perfumes have doubled since 2019. Hair care products recorded the strongest growth (+15.8%).
Leading customers: Europe and the United States
The European Union remains the leading export market for French cosmetics, accounting for 40.2% (€8.6 billion) of total exports, a figure that is up by 20.8% compared to 2022.
Germany, Spain and Italy remain the top three importers of French cosmetics.
In Europe, make-up and facial care are recording the strongest growth, up 23.6% (€3.7 billion), followed by perfumes, which are up 18.3% (€2.9 billion). …
