Browse Data and Analysis

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.

For marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Post forecasts a slight increase in cotton imports due to increasing demand in the ready-made garments industry.

For marketing year (MY) 2025/26, Post forecasts lower rice imports than in MY 2024/25, assuming higher production based on favorable weather. Demand for wheat continues to increase and Post forecasts slightly higher imports for MY 2025/26 to align with demand.

The installation of Bangladesh’s Interim Government in August 2024, has led to a renewed focus on macroeconomic stability, which will enable increased exports to the market as restrictions on Letters of Credit ease as foreign currency reserves stabilize.

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.

For the marketing year (MY) 2024/25, Post lowers rice harvested area and production to 11.4 million hectares and 36.6 million metric tons (MT), respectively, due to an estimated loss of around 300,000 hectares of aman season rice from two consecutive floods in August and October 2024.

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.

In marketing year (MY) 2024/25, Post forecasts cotton acreage and production slightly lower at 45,000 hectares and 153,000 bales, due to heavy rain in some cotton growing districts during the seed sowing period. For MY 2024/25, Post also forecasts...

In 2023, French food and agricultural imports from the United States reached $1 billion. While exporting to France can be challenging, there are many opportunities for U.S. suppliers.