São Paulo – Cosmetics and perfume sales in Dubai were up 9% in 2013 from 2012, to US$ 4.9 billion, according to information from the Dubai Customs released this Wednesday (28th) by newspaper Khaleej Times. Imports accounted for US$ 2.99 billion. Exports amounted to US$ 540 million and re-exports stood at U$S 1.36 billion.
The Dubai Customs director for Strategies and Corporate Excellence, Ahmad Kazim, stated that the higher revenues are testament to “the active market for beauty products in Dubai,” and to growing local and international demand for these products.
Dubai’s leading trade partner was France, at approximately US$ 822 million, followed by the United States (US$ 410 million), Saudi Arabia (US$ 328 million), United Kingdom and Germany, the latter two with a business volume of roughly US$ 273 million each.
“Perfumes are at the top of beauty products traded through Dubai, representing 21% of total imports,” said Kazim, according to Khaleej Times.
Last year, Arab countries purchased approximately US$ 26 billion worth of beauty products and toiletries.
This Thursday (29th) will see the closing of this year’s edition of trade show Beauty World Middle East, which opened last Tuesday (27th) in Dubai, and was attended by 16 Brazilian companies. In 2013, Brazil shipped US$ 10.9 million worth of toiletries and cosmetics to Arab countries.
The leading Arab buying country for beauty products and toiletries is Saudi Arabia, according to the Brazilian Toiletry, Perfumery and Cosmetics Industry Association (Abihpec).
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
