France

Overview

France is a heavily industrialized, highly competitive, and extremely sophisticated economy.
Establishing a commercial foothold can be challenging.
Substantial demand for high-tech electronic goods
Many raw and intermediate materials are scarce .
Unemployment is fairly high.
Its extensive infrastructure network is among the most modern in the world.
Preference for local products is strong, thereby making a large import market difficult.

Opportunities:

aircraft, automobiles, and auto parts
seafood
building products
chemicals
computer products and electronics
crude petroleum
electronics industry production and testing equipment
jewelry
medical equipment
pollution control and equipment
pumps, valves and compressors
security and safety equipment
telecommunication products
textiles and clothing
wood and wood products

Marketing Tips

Restrictions on doing business is minimal
Intense competition is a characteristic of virtually every area of the market.
Predatory nature of business in France
Importers can thrive by focusing on innovative products, new design, outstanding service, and a watchful eye on comparative advantage.
The French are avid readers and television viewers, so efforts should be concentrated on print and broadcast media.
All business interactions are done in French, with very little exception. Legislation is even under consideration to make French required for all marketing and product info.
Paris has a large number of retail outlets, outnumbering the rest of the country combined. Product introduction would be most lucrative here.

Business Culture

Demonstrate a huge amount of pride in their culture and heritage
French also take a special pride in their language.
Foreign businessmen must be fluent in French to be accepted at all into any negotiations, with few exceptions.
Do not use first names unless invited to do so, and titles should be honored.
Shake hands with everyone during introductions and also at the conclusion of the encounter.
Gifts that appeal to the intellect or aesthetics are well-received.
The French adhere strongly to tradition and revere a bit of ceremony.
They have a strong fascination with details and are likely to impede the process of a negotiation to make everything clear.
They are class-conscious and tend to measure success by one's level of education, family name, and reputation.

DO's	DON'T's
Handshakes should be light and short. Anticipate lively debates over cross-cultural activities. Keep your hands above the table when dining. Share in appreciation for the French educational system. Dress in dark suits and ties.	When sending flowers, avoid roses. Slap an open palm over a closed fist. Never cut your salad. Avoid personal questions.

Legal Environment:

France is a civil code country, with laws substantially influenced by European regulations. Since1994, protection has increased against infringements of intellectual property rights by applying stricter criminal penalties. Foreign business is actively encouraged.

Articles

Working with Export Partners in the European Union

Despite European unification, doing business in Europe can be trickier for U.S. exporters than inpre-EU times. Cultural and legal differences are potential pitfalls, and choosing the right agent or distributor for your product can also be difficult.