Exports helped support Italy’s beauty sector in 2016 and the outlook is positive also for 2017. According to an economic survey conducted by Cosmetica Italia, in fact, in 2016 the industry’s global sales reached €10.5 billion, up 5% from the previous year, with exports climbing to near €4.3 billion, up 12% on a yearly basis.

Estimates for this year point to a further revenue increase of around 5% and to a 11.5% increase in exports. The balance of payments is also seen improving, up to €2.1 billion, a record high for the sector. Domestic sales also increased, albeit at a slower pace than the previous year, and were up 0.5% to €9.9 billion.