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France, as a member of the European Union (EU), generally follows EU directives, regulations, and obligations.

On January 7, 2026, France issued a decree prohibiting the import of grains, soybeans, fruits, and vegetables which have been treated with any of five pesticides. This decree has the potential to negatively impact the export to France of $130 million of U.S. soybeans, fruits, and vegetables, as four of the five pesticides targeted by France can be legally used in the United States.

France remains the world’s leading tourist destination by international arrivals, with over 100 million visitors in 2024, and international tourism receipts reached $85 billion, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. In the food-service sector, commercial catering holds about 58% of the market and grew nearly 9%, while institutional catering, at around 20%, expanded by roughly 16%.

France’s agricultural biotechnology sector operates under strict regulations and faces significant public opposition, limiting its development despite growing discussions about agricultural innovation and food security driven by climate change and global challenges.

In 2024 (the latest year with data available), the agri-food market in France was impacted by 2.5 inflation. This trend continued in 2025. Price increases most severely impacted the lower income strata of society and cut into their ability to purchase. Many consumers are moving away from big brands to less expensive distributor brands.

In 2024, French imports of U.S. food and agricultural products reached approximately $1.05 billion, reflecting modest growth.

The French food processing industry mobilizes more than 19,000 companies, of which nearly 98 percent are small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The sector generates $177 billion in annual revenue, and it indirectly contributes to nearly 2 million jobs in France.

As a member of the European Union, France implements EU regulations for the import of animal and plant products.

France, as a member of the European Union (EU), generally follows EU directives, regulations, and obligations. This report focuses on food laws in force in France that cover areas which are not EU harmonized.

France's agricultural biotechnology sector is constrained by strict regulations and public opposition, despite the scientific community's support and the growing interest in NBTs. The dialogue on agricultural innovation and food security is evolving, driven by climate change and geopolitical factors, but significant challenges remain.

In 2023, the agri-food market in France was still impacted by inflation, recorded at 3.8 percent. Price increases most severely impacted the lower income strata of society and cut into their ability to purchase. Many consumers are still moving away from big brands to less expensive distributor brands.

France is the world’s leading tourist destination. Revenues are exceeding pre-covid standards since France earned 126 billion in 2023 due to foreign tourism. Commercial catering remains the dominant sector in the HRI industry, holding a 58 percent market share and generating a turnover of $73.3 billion, reflecting a 9-percent increase from 2022.