Best Source for B2B Industry Trends, News and Updates
It has one of the most significant trade ties with the United States. It is the largest trading partner of the US and has high shares of investments in industrial sectors, automotive sectors, and other leading sectors of the country. The data estimates France's 2025 GDP at $4.451 trillion in terms of Purchasing Power Parity. It is also estimated at an initial estimate of $4.5 trillion for 2026.
What are the business opportunities in the region, and how can you grow your export business in France? This blog serves as a guide to help you find essential information about business trends in France, along with buyers' directories, to connect with French importers for business purposes.
Starting a business requires a complete and thorough understanding of the market. It can be done through analyzing the various patterns of French consumers and importers. As one of the biggest markets in the world, it must offer some difficulties that exporters face. However, it can be overcome through innovative strategies.
French consumers are known for their purchasing habits that are more focused on choosing quality over quantity. The people and businesses are brand loyal and believe in the consistency and reliability of the products. They are more focused on using the locally available products that are produced in the region; however, they are open to trying new technologies and products that are sustainable.
Even with the highest investment in the USA, the market is still very competitive. However, they are open to trying new inventions that are socially forward, which is an excellent opportunity for tech exporters and sellers. The normal distribution channels are now replaced with digital channels, such as buyer’s directories or B2B marketplaces, to sell and buy products and distribute them all over the country.
After all of these advantages, exporters might face challenges with tight security and strict rules regarding product labelling, quality scrutiny, etc. It is advised to fully fulfill all the necessary obligations regarding the trade regulations set by the French government for imports. You will also feel the difficulty of understanding the language of locals, which can now easily be translated through several software and applications. To establish great relationships with the local producers, you may have to use the French language as a mode of communication through your ads and promotions. France is home to big brands globally, which means they prefer localized products, but are open to trying new things.
Here’s a list of the top demanded products in the French market, imported from all over the world, with the import value written in USD:
|
Product |
Import Value (USD) |
|
Vehicles |
$70.2B |
|
Machinery |
$55.8B |
|
Electronics |
$48.3B |
|
Pharmaceuticals |
$42.7B |
|
Crude Petroleum |
$40.5B |
|
Aircraft, Engines & Parts |
$28.1B |
|
Plastics & Plastic Articles |
$25.6B |
|
Organic Chemicals |
$24.3B |
|
Medical Instruments |
$21.9B |
|
Iron & Steel |
$18.4B |
France imports a good amount of vehicles that include cars and trucks, and other automated vehicles from the USA, Germany, and Italy. One of the most significant imports of the country is valued at 70 billion US dollars. American cars are highly demanded in the region due to their high resale value. These cars are often limited edition and are considered American classics. Many US luxury vehicles are highly priced in France. However, buyers should be aware that modern American vehicles may require modifications to meet European safety and emissions standards.
France is an established country when it comes to production. The manufacturing sector in France, at 19.4 percent, represents the second-highest share of GDP. However, to stay more up-to-date in terms of production and industrialization, the country requires more modern equipment and machinery to meet its local needs for production, which is why the country imports 55 billion dollars worth of machinery, including agricultural machinery, production plants, and other equipment from the USA.
There is a huge demand for electronics and gadgets in the country, which are more technologically driven. Smartphones, computers, and other electronic items will receive significant attention from local consumers. Some companies also import spare parts of the equipment to promote local manufacturing. Artificial intelligence is taking over the world, and there would be a great need for equipment in the region to walk hand-in-hand with the latest innovations. France imports 48 million dollars worth of electronics from China, the USA, and Germany.
Another more focused sector is the health sector in France, which has a contribution of 11.5% of GDP. The government imports premium health care equipment from Switzerland, Germany, and the USA to promote more research and development in the region. France imports cutting-edge technological medical devices that are efficient in performing critical medical procedures. Some medical devices are only produced in a limited number, which are on the top priority list, such as diagnostic tools, etc. France imports 21 billion USD of medical devices and 42 billion USD of pharmaceuticals.
Oil supplies such as crude oil and petroleum products are needed to run plants, industries, aircraft, and other machinery. France imports crude oil and petroleum products from Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States, worth 40 billion US dollars. France was the EU's largest importer of Russian fossil fuels, with total imports reaching €399 million.
France has a vast aviation industry that is highly dependent on aircraft parts imports from several countries, including the US and UK. France imports planes, helicopters, and spacecraft. One of the upcoming goals of the country's development is to use zero-emission planes and aircraft by the end of this decade. This requires precise planning and highly technologically advanced aircraft parts from all over the world. France imports 28 billion dollars' worth of aircraft and parts.
Plastic is one of the most used items and has versatile applications in every industry. France imports 25 billion dollars worth of plastic to help in manufacturing, agriculture, and other sectors from Belgium, Italy, and Germany. In 2024, France imported 55.98 million dollars worth of plastic sheets for packaging, $ 55 million worth of plastic sheets, foil, films, and $ 40 million worth of other plastic products.
France, being one of the most forward nations in the world, is importing 24 billion dollars worth of Organic chemicals into the country. These chemicals are coming in the form of fertilizers, drugs that are used for research and development purposes, and also to promote local production in factories, research laboratories, and academic establishments to work cooperatively. The top organic chemical export partners are Germany and Belgium.
To promote local urbanization and infrastructure development, the country needs tons of metals, including aluminum, copper, iron, and steel, in bulk amounts. The country imports 18 billion dollars' worth of metal from Germany, Belgium, and Italy. France has a wide production facility that requires a premium quality of metal imported to fill the gap.
Finding genuine buyers from France has been simplified due to the digital medium of connection and business. The following are the top B2B directories and websites where you can find importers for your business:
Tradewheel.com is a global B2B platform that connects exporters with French importers, wholesalers, and distributors. It lists thousands of buyer inquiries from France across industries. You can start by entering a vast world of cosmetics, machinery, metallurgy, chemicals, and many others. As an exporter, you can showcase your products and respond to RFQs. You can also chat with French companies directly. The platform helps you find niche-specific buyers with detailed filters. It supports bulk trading and small business deals. Its user-friendly dashboard and genuine buyer base make it easy to build trust. Many exporters use Tradewheel.com to start their business in France with zero investment in physical presence or trade shows.
Alibaba.com is a well-known global marketplace that allows exporters to find buyers in France easily. It lists thousands of French wholesalers and retailers looking for bulk goods in electronics, home items, fashion, and industrial equipment. Exporters can post product listings and get direct inquiries from French businesses. The platform's trade assurance program builds trust with new buyers. With strong SEO and mobile support, it brings daily traffic from French B2B users. Sellers can also use local ads and promotions to boost visibility. For new exporters, Alibaba.com offers a simple way to enter the French market digitally.
Kompass France is a reliable business directory that helps exporters find verified companies in France. It features detailed company profiles, industry codes, and contact names for French manufacturers, wholesalers, and importers. Exporters can search by product category, location, or company size. Kompass is trusted in the industrial, chemical, textile, and machinery sectors. It offers premium data tools for sales prospecting and B2B networking. Many exporters use it to send targeted emails or build local partnerships. The platform is especially useful for B2B companies wanting to grow steadily in France without costly ad campaigns or intermediaries.
Europages France is a specialized B2B website that helps exporters connect with French buyers across various industries. It lists verified importers, resellers, manufacturers, and agents in sectors like food, clothing, furniture, chemicals, and machinery. Exporters can create a multilingual profile and showcase their product range. Europages helps boost online presence and SEO in the European market. It also ranks well on Google for product searches in France. You can reach out directly to French businesses via the messaging tool. For exporters wanting serious leads and lasting partnerships, Europages offers trusted connections and broad visibility.
Annuaire des Entreprises is the official French government directory of all registered businesses. It provides free and updated information on companies, including importers, suppliers, and manufacturers. Exporters can search businesses by industry code (NAF), region, and company size. The data is verified by INSEE, making it a reliable source. You can find direct contacts, registration dates, and activity status. It helps exporters build a custom list of French leads. It's especially useful for businesses that want to do email outreach or market research before entering France. The platform removes guesswork and supports informed business decisions.
It's been quite some time since the French government started taking part in investing in the technologies that offer energy-saving and renewable energy options. France aims to work with complete dedication and has invested 100 billion Euros to become the European leader in terms of using green energy in the form of using low-emission aircraft, robotization, using green hydrogen, and many other implementations that are planned.
Local producers and existing industries are in complete support of eliminating traditional carbon-emitting products and using these alternatives. This plan has opened the door to endless opportunities for new investors, exports, and businesses. Exporters can utilize the green industrial opportunities by exporting green technologies such as decarbonized batteries, renewable energy sources, microelectronics, e-mobility, and several other options to utilize the high potential. Younger generations in France are open to incorporating such sustainable products and could be your potential target market.
You need a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, certificate of origin, and, in some cases, product-specific certificates like CE for certain products like electronics, food, etc. You may also need an export license depending on the product and country of origin.
France has quite strict labeling and packaging regulations. Product labels must often include product name, origin, ingredients, safety warnings, and, in many cases, must be in French. Eco-packaging and recycling rules also apply to specific product categories.
In this blog, we have discussed the opportunities of the French market for new businesses and exporters. France is a stable and high-income market with a strong demand for quality goods, innovation, and sustainable products. Its strategic location in Europe makes it a gateway to neighboring countries, which boosts trade potential. French consumers value trust, transparency, and ethical sourcing, creating opportunities for exporters who meet these expectations. While regulations can be complex, they also ensure high standards and market credibility. Success in France depends on cultural understanding, market research, and product adaptation. Exporters who focus on quality, clear branding, and responsible practices can build lasting relationships and grow steadily in this competitive yet rewarding environment.
