A dynamic market

Setting up operations in France provides immediate access to the European single market of 450 million consumers, while also benefiting from the commercial power of the European Union (EU).

Verified on May 11th 2026
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  • 2nd European country by GDP in 2024 Eurostat, 2026

  • 1st Country in Europe for foreign investment EY Consulting, 2026

  • 54€ Bn Investment in disruptive technologies via the “France 2030” plan SGPI, 2026

A major economic power in Europe

France is a central player in the European economy. Its market size, its integration into the European Union (EU) and its international influence make it a strategic anchor point for large-scale operations.

  • Second largest economy in the European Union.
  • Seventh largest economy in the world.
  • 54% of exports are directed towards the EU (French Customs Authorities, 2025).

This position guarantees foreign businesses a stable, integrated environment that is deeply connected to European value chains.

An open and structured trade policy

By choosing France, businesses automatically benefit from the trade agreements concluded by the European Union with more than 75 countries.

These agreements aim to create a transparent framework to facilitate trade in goods and services by reducing tariff barriers, opening new international markets for European businesses and diversifying supply chains. They incorporate the international commitments of Member States regarding sustainable development, the protection of social rights and environmental protection.

Negotiations are ongoing:

  • The signing of agreements with New Zealand (free trade) and Kenya (economic partnership), the Southern Common Market (Mercosur/Mercosul) and India.
  • Negotiations have begun with Indonesia, Mexico, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Australia and the United Arab Emirates.
Carte du monde illustrant les accords commerciaux de l’Union européenne par pays. Les pays partenaires sont colorés selon le statut de leur accord avec l’UE : accords en vigueur, en cours d’adoption ou de ratification, en négociation, suspendus ou sans accord. La carte montre une forte couverture en Amérique latine, ainsi que des accords en Afrique, en Asie et en Océanie.

Strong support for the European industrial recovery

The dynamism of European industry enhances the attractive positioning of France as a location.

The Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), proposed by the European Commission on March 4, 2026, introduces a European preference in several strategic sectors, both for access to public procurement and eligibility for certain state aid.

This initiative will influence the location choices of international groups and encourage the development of new industrial capacity within the EU. In this context, France has strong arguments to strengthen its position and capture a significant share of these investments.

Stricter resilience and sustainability criteria are being progressively integrated into public procurement, in line with French industrial policy and ecological transition objectives.

For investors, this means a direct alignment with European industrial priorities.

Ambitious national objectives aligned with European objectives

France’s economic strategy is fully aligned with European industrial and climate priorities, with a clear roadmap aimed at strengthening competitiveness, simplifying business procedures and achieving the climate targets set within the framework of the Paris Agreement.

  • Continuing the ecological transition to make it a driver of growth
  • Support for traditional industrial sectors (chemicals, steel, automotive)
  • Development of European value chains in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing and rare metals
  • Simplification of standards and administrative procedures
  • Training for the jobs of the future
  • Adoption of European preference for public procurement in certain strategic sectors