Dubai’s overseas trade in cosmetics reached $5.57bn in 2015

Dubai’s overseas trade for cosmetics and perfumes totalled AED20.5bn ($5.57bn) in 2015, according to the figures released by Dubai Customs.

France was the top importer of UAE cosmetics and perfumes, importing $861m of products.

This was followed by the US ($481m), Saudi Arabia ($435m), the UK ($299m), and Italy ($272m).

Dubai Customs Statistics and Studies manager Nassim Al Maheiri has revealed these trade figures at the Beautyworld Middle East, an international trade fair for beauty products, and fragrances in the Middle East.

Among the products traded, perfumes topped the list with AED5.9bn ($1.6bn).

This was followed by toiletries at $870m, deodorants ($326m), and creams ($272m).

Dubai Customs director of strategy and corporate excellence Ahmad Abdul Salam Kazim was quoted by Gulfnews.com as saying, "We at Dubai Customs follow a transparent approach when dealing with businesses, by sharing foreign trade figures and statistics, so they can plan the size of their investments ahead and make well-informed decisions."