The Brazilian Toiletry, Perfumery and Cosmetic Association (ABIHPEC) has predicted a 12.3% increase in total value for 2006, which sees the value rise to $8.07bn.
Despite the unfavourable exchange rate Brazil's exports in the sector are predicted to have risen 20% to $500m. Reaching 132 countries, cosmetics exports have now doubled over the past three years.
“The growth of our exportations this year has overcome the international media, which indicates that we are increasing our participation into the worldwide market,” said Joao Carlos Basillio da Silva, president of ABIHPEC.
ABIHPEC also notes that the C&T sector provides significant work opportunities to women in Brazil with almost 3million people employed in beauty-related roles.