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The twenty imports France is best placed to replace.

France imported USD 598bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 543bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 36bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
309products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
1928products France already exports well
3001product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing France already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in France would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and France does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Beer: made from maltHS 220300

    Comes fromBelgium 61%, 94 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWine: still, in containers holding 2 litres or less (exports USD 7.7bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 319m
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 1.2bn, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1); Belgium supplies 61 per cent (2).

    USD 1.2bnup 11% on 2022
  2. 2

    WhiskiesHS 220830

    Comes fromUnited Kingdom 72%, 77 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWine: still, in containers holding 2 litres or less (exports USD 7.7bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 354m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 161m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 777m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); United Kingdom supplies 72 per cent (2).

    USD 777mdown 12% on 2022
  3. 3

    Biodiesel and mixtures thereof: not containing or containing less than 70% by weight of petroleum oils or oils...HS 382600

    Comes fromBelgium 51%, 17 source countries
    Nearest export strengthLubricating oil additives: containing petroleum oils or oils... (exports USD 2.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 495m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 2.5bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); Belgium supplies 51 per cent (1).

    USD 2.5bndown 23% on 2022
  4. 4

    Engines: reciprocating piston engines, of a kind used for the propulsion of vehicles of chapter 87, of a cylinder...HS 840734

    Comes fromPoland 45%, 50 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTurbo-jets: of a thrust exceeding 25kN (exports USD 10bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 815m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 294m
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 968m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1); Poland supplies 45 per cent (1).

    USD 968mup 78% on 2022
  5. 5

    Polypeptide hormones, protein hormones and glycoprotein hormones, their derivatives and structural analogues: other...HS 293719

    Comes fromAustria 47%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthHeterocyclic compounds: lactams: other than 6-hexanelactam (epsilon... (exports USD 2.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 7m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 124m
    Countries that export it well6

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 728m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Austria supplies 47 per cent (1).

    USD 728mup 32% on 2022
  6. 6

    Iron or non-alloy steel: I sections, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded, of a height of 80mm or moreHS 721632

    Comes fromSpain 67%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFerrous waste and scrap: n.e.c. in heading no. 7204 (exports USD 1.8bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 15m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 452m
    Countries that export it well18

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 267m, top 15 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Spain supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 267mdown 35% on 2022
  7. 7

    Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products: immunological products, put up in...HS 300215

    Comes fromSwitzerland 28%, 59 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMedicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in... (exports USD 19bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3.8bn; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 2.6bn
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 6.6bn, top 0 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1).

    USD 6.6bnup 6% on 2022
  8. 8

    Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and electric motor for propulsion, capable of...HS 870360

    Comes fromGermany 37%, 37 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine... (exports USD 6.6bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 410m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 12bn
    Countries that export it well13

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 5.8bn, top 0 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 45 per cent (1).

    USD 5.8bnup 78% on 2022
  9. 9

    Boards, panels, consoles, desks and other bases: for electric control or the distribution of electricity, (other than...HS 853710

    Comes fromGermany 24%, 122 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectrical apparatus: parts suitable for use solely or principally... (exports USD 1.6bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1.9bn
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 2.8bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1).

    USD 2.8bnup 31% on 2022
  10. 10

    Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018HS 901890

    Comes fromUnited States 17%, 140 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRegulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic... (exports USD 1.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1.6bn; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 2.3bn
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 2.3bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1).

    USD 2.3bnup 14% on 2022
  11. 11

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Comes fromBelgium 19%, 88 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326 (exports USD 1.7bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 514m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 1.0bn
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 2.1bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1).

    USD 2.1bndown 4% on 2022
  12. 12

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectorsHS 854449

    Comes fromItaly 23%, 108 source countries
    Nearest export strengthElectrical apparatus: parts suitable for use solely or principally... (exports USD 1.6bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1.1bn; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 5.2bn
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.7bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1).

    USD 1.7bnup 22% on 2022
  13. 13

    Machines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions, n.e.c. or included in this chapterHS 847989

    Comes fromGermany 27%, 98 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTurbo-jets: of a thrust exceeding 25kN (exports USD 10bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 674m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 1.1bn
    Countries that export it well18

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.6bn, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1).

    USD 1.6bnup 14% on 2022
  14. 14

    Aluminium: articles n.e.c. in heading 7616HS 761699

    Comes fromItaly 20%, 121 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm... (exports USD 2.0bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 601m
    Countries that export it well24

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.1bn, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1).

    USD 1.1bnup 1% on 2022
  15. 15

    Appliances: worn, carried or implanted in the body, to compensate for a defect or disabilityHS 902190

    Comes fromNetherlands 33%, 70 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRegulating or controlling instruments and apparatus: automatic... (exports USD 1.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 287m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 1.5bn
    Countries that export it well24

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 1.0bn, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 34 per cent (1).

    USD 1.0bnup 66% on 2022
  16. 16

    Aluminium: unwrought, alloysHS 760120

    Comes fromNorway 14%, 50 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm... (exports USD 2.0bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 758m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 370m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 981m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 50 per cent (1).

    USD 981mdown 31% on 2022
  17. 17

    Machinery: parts of machines handling earth, minerals or ores and n.e.c. in heading no. 8431HS 843149

    Comes fromGermany 16%, 113 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTurbo-jets: of a thrust exceeding 25kN (exports USD 10bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 757m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 240m
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 907m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1).

    USD 907mdown 21% on 2022
  18. 18

    Aluminium: alloys, bars, rods and profiles, other than hollowHS 760429

    Comes fromSpain 32%, 79 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm... (exports USD 2.0bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 239m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 447m
    Countries that export it well31

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 883m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 40 per cent (1).

    USD 883mdown 25% on 2022
  19. 19

    Paper and paperboard: folding cartons, boxes and cases, of non-corrugated paper or paperboardHS 481920

    Comes fromGermany 22%, 101 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaper and paperboard: self-adhesive, in rolls or sheets, other than... (exports USD 414m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 228m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 1.4bn
    Countries that export it well37

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 861m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1).

    USD 861mdown 17% on 2022
  20. 20

    Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390

    Comes fromBelgium 23%, 130 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 (exports USD 2.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 295m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 358m
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 842m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to France's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1).

    USD 842mup 16% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products France already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Aircraft and spacecraft: parts of aeroplanes, helicopters or unmanned aircraft... imports USD 13bn, exports USD 8.6bn, top source Germany 38%
  • Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder... imports USD 8.9bn, exports USD 4.2bn, top source Spain 34%
  • Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder... imports USD 4.9bn, exports USD 1.8bn, top source Morocco 21%
  • Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708 imports USD 6.1bn, exports USD 4.4bn, top source Germany 13%
  • Rubber: new pneumatic tyres, of a kind used on motor cars (including station... imports USD 3.1bn, exports USD 1.7bn, top source Germany 21%
  • Footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6403, (not covering the ankle), outer soles of... imports USD 2.4bn, exports USD 1.1bn, top source Italy 29%
  • Vehicles: with both spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine and... imports USD 7.6bn, exports USD 6.6bn, top source Spain 27%
  • Footwear: (other than sportswear), with outer soles of rubber or plastics and... imports USD 1.6bn, exports USD 773m, top source China 24%
  • Iron or steel: articles n.e.c. in heading 7326 imports USD 2.5bn, exports USD 1.7bn, top source China 16%
  • Glass: carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials and other containers of... imports USD 1.7bn, exports USD 921m, top source Germany 24%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 3001 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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