why natural disasters can boost growth?

Sales of floor cleaners jumped by 20% between January and October 2024 in France. An increase due in part to the numerous natural disasters linked to bad weather which have affected the country this year. The latter would also have a positive impact on growth.

One person’s misfortune is another person’s business. The bad weather that hit France this year was not catastrophic for everyone, especially floor cleaner brands, which saw the sale of these products increase by 20% between January and October 2024.

It is the product whose sales have increased the most since the start of the year, according to the specialist consumer institute Circana. Particularly in the regions most affected by these natural disasters, such as Normandy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Brittany, Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur.

A positive impact on growth?

Paradoxically, these natural disasters would even have a positive impact on growth. Because beyond detergents, many sectors participate in cleaning, clearing and reconstruction (logistics, construction, etc.).

Economic growth figures only measure new activity created. That is to say that when you destroy a building, when you destroy a bridge, this does not affect the activity figures at any time. It is heritage that is being destroyed. Whereas on the other hand, when we rebuild this bridge, all the activity created will appear in the growth figures.

More harm than good

But these bad weather are doing more harm to the country than good. The latest floods which hit the South-East and Île-de-France at the end of October will cost between 350 and 420 million euros. Not to mention the psychological distress suffered by some French victims of the floods.

The wine-growing sector also suffered greatly from this rainy weather. The expected harvests could represent a decline of 23% compared to last year due to weather conditions.