France - TextilesFrance – Textiles
Overview
| 2015 (Estimated) | 2016 (Estimated) | 2017 (Estimated) | 2018 (Estimated) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Local Production | 18,230 | 18,590 | 18,600 | 18,700 |
| Total Exports | 11,950 | 11,600 | 11,700 | 11,700 |
| Total Imports | 20,970 | 21,390 | 21,420 | 21,800 |
| Imports from the US | 286 | 292 | 298 | 290 |
| Total Market Size | 27,250 | 28,380 | 28,320 | 28800 |
| Exchange Rate 1 Euro | USD 1.1095 | USD1.1069 | USD1.1297 | USD1.230 |
data source: The French trade Association for the Textile Industry – UIT
(Figures in USD billion; * Estimated figures) * Official statistical figures including only textile companies employing at least 20 people. * Statistical import figures including French customs classification N0. 61- 62 - 63.
In 2017, the French textile industry (including apparel) was comprised of approximately 548 companies averaging 20 employees with a total workforce of 58,240 employees. The French textiles market remains a highly-developed, mature market with many domestic and international players. Apparel accounts for 43.9% of the market’s total value, while fabrics represent about 30%. The industry in France, although large, is dominated by several small, niche companies selling a small quantity of highly technical and high value products.
In France, the main consumers of technical textiles are industry (21%), transportation (20%), medical (16%), protection (10%), construction (10%), and agro textiles (8%). The main distributors of clothing are specialized chains (23%), independent sellers (13%), and super/hypermarkets (14%). Similar to previous years, the major textile suppliers by country, are China, followed by Italy, Bangladesh, Turkey, India, Germany, Tunisia, Belgium, Portugal, and Pakistan. The U.S. textile exports to France are mainly composed of sportswear and technical textiles. In addition, U.S. suppliers have an advantage in terms of technical know-how in this industry.
Best practices
To export textiles to France, U.S. companies should either have an agent / distributor or set up a subsidiary. There are no quotas for importing U.S. textile, however, U.S. companies need to be able to provide the certificate of orgin of goods to customs.
Leading Sub-Sectors
• Technical textiles with better comfort and monitoring solutions for sportswear
• Technical textiles reducing carbon emissions for the transportation industry
• Technical textiles improving energy efficiency for use in the building industry
•Textiles with electronic devices and communication systems incorporated in the garments for either the security or sporting industries
Opportunities
The best opportunities in the textile sector are open to those U.S. companies that can create new technologies and develop innovative products offering new solutions to a large number of industrial sectors.
Web Resources
The European Apparel and Textile Confederation – EURATEX
European Apparel and Textile Confederation
Union des Industries Textiles – U.I.T.
(Textile Trade Association)
Union des Industries Textiles
Union Française des Industries de l’Habillement – U F I H
(French Trade Association for apparel industries)
Contact:
U.S. Embassy - U.S. Commercial Service Commercial Specialist:
Caroline.de.Villoutreys@trade.gov
Tel: +33(0)1 43 12 71 98
Export.gov/France
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.