Excellent Export Prospects in the French Market

France has one of the largest economies in the world. It is also one of the most important trading partners of the U.S. In 2005, France has imported goods and services valued at $50.6 billion. In 2007, U.S. exports of goods and services to France reached $99 billion, equal to 6.1% of the total imports in France. The U.S. exports in France have grown constantly.

The French food market has always offered good prospects for U.S. exporters. Nowadays, the interest of French youth in the American culture has increased; therefore, the demand for imported food products from U.S. is growing. Market opportunities for U.S. exporters include: oilseeds, soft drinks, dried fruits, frozen foods, snacks, seafood, cereals, pet food, and even dietetic and health products. In 2007, the United States exported $1.1 billion worth of agricultural products to France, such as nuts, grapefruit, seafood, soybeans, and planting seeds.

Outside the agricultural sector, civilian aircraft engines are among the top American products exported to France. Also, U.S. companies control 70% percent of the computer services and software market, and the exports have grown constantly. U.S- made industrial chemicals, safety and security equipment, computer and peripherals, telecommunication equipment, computer software, automotive parts equipment, medical equipment, plastics, agricultural machinery and equipment, textile, construction equipment, and even cosmetics are very attractive to French importers.

Market entry depends on competition, innovation, and pricing, and these factors make it a successful entry. Safety and security equipment is a sector that has seen a high growth rate. In 2006, France imported from the U.S. $3.350 million worth of safety and security equipment. Products such as anti-terrorist equipment, alarms, remote monitoring, or which help at investigations, airport safety, guard services, are very well ranked.

U.S. exporters of construction equipment have excellent prospects in France. The United States has been constantly rated among the top 10 providers of construction equipment for the French construction companies. The construction industry is growing, and so is the demand for specialized, quality, and small machines. Backhoe loaders, compact excavators, compact shovels, and hydraulic excavators offer the best sales prospects. Three of the largest, most important construction equipment companies – Caterpillar (U.S.), Liebherr (Germany), and Case-New Holland (U.S.) - have set headquarters in France to gain local presence. Their largest competitor is Japan-based Komatsu, whose presence in France has been constantly growing.

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