Business Dynamics: France

November 2025

France’s growth in 2024 was supported by steady household and public spending, offsetting weak investment and exports. France advanced to 62nd in the Global Economic Freedom Ranking, driven by strong property rights and financial freedom. However, bureaucratic complexity continues to limit efficiency, and the pension reform delay may reduce labour supply. Meanwhile, rising trade freedom is set to boost competitiveness, while France is investing heavily to lead in AI innovation.

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Overview:

The Country Briefings series examine market potential, economic and consumer trends impacting each country and how they are set to change.

Each Country Briefing covers one of these topics:

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Income and Expenditure: Insights into income, wealth and expenditure of consumers are vital in helping businesses make strategic decisions with regards to which country (or even which region within a country) to enter, which consumer segment to target, which products or services to market, and at which price point. Other factors such as the size and expansion of the middle class and income inequality are also important in helping companies gauge the potential of a country market.

Households: Global shifts in gender, ageing, migration and housing are transforming the size, location,  general make-up as well as income and expenditure of households around the globe, with diverse implications for governments and companies. Households insights can help identify the decision-making processes and consumption tastes of different household groups and types within a country, and assess household appliance and digital readiness that is key for formulating market technology and internet strategies.

Business Dynamics: A stable and competitive business environment is vital to operate efficiently and attract inward investment. Businesses can assess these factors alongside challenges such as corruption, political instability and terrorism, also gain insight into business operating environment and make strategic investment decisions. Transport infrastructure, ICT readiness and labour force dynamics will also identify potential issues with a supply chain and the level of workforce skills.

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The briefings cover 103 countries and identify topics of crucial interest to planners, marketers and researchers.

Business Dynamics: France

HEADLINES

Bureaucratic complexity continues to hinder efficiency in France
Regulations have squeezed bank profit margins amid high interest rates.
Pension reform delay set to shrink labour supply
France’s trade freedom climbs, boosting competitiveness
France seeks to position itself as the leader in AI through massive investment
Chart 1 Operational and Legal Environment Key Indicators
Chart 2 Index of Economic Freedom Ranking by Pillar in France and Regional Comparison 2024
Chart 3 Index of Economic Freedom Ranking 2019-2024
Chart 4 Index of Economic Freedom: Judicial Effectiveness Pillar Rank in France and Regional Comparison 2019-2024
Chart 5 Index of Economic Freedom: Government Integrity Pillar Rank in France and Regional Comparison 2019-2024
Chart 6 Corruption Perceptions Ranking: France and Regional Comparison 2019-2024
Chart 7 Key Financial and Investment Indicators
Chart 8 Index of Economic Freedom: Property Rights Pillar Rank in France and Regional Comparison 2019-2024
Chart 9 Bank Claims on the Private Sector as % of GDP 2019-2024
Chart 10 Bank Nonperforming Loans to Total Gross Loans 2019-2024
Chart 11 Key Skills and Labour Indicators
Chart 12 Population Aged 15+ with Higher Education 2019-2024
Chart 13 Education Indicators 2024
Chart 14 Number of University Graduates by Programme 2024
Chart 15 Employment by Age 2024
Chart 16 Employment by Gender 2024
Chart 17 Youth Unemployment Rate 2019-2024
Chart 18 Labour Structure Change 2019-2024
Chart 19 Labour Structure Comparison 2024
Chart 20 Self-Employed as % of Total Employed Population 2024
Chart 21 Index of Economic Freedom: Labour Pillar Rank in France and Regional Comparison 2019-2024
Chart 22 Wage per Hour in Manufacturing Sector 2019-2024
Chart 23 Labour Market Regulations in France and Regional Comparison 2024
Chart 24 Key Infrastructure Indicators
Chart 25 Index of Economic Freedom: Trade Freedom Pillar Rank in France and Regional Comparison 2019-2024
Chart 26 The Top Four Largest France’s Export Categories 2019-2024
Chart 27 Turnover of Transport and Storage Industry by Category in France 2024
Chart 28 Transportation Mode Indicators in France and Regional Comparison
Chart 29 Road Infrastructure
Chart 30 Innovation and Digitalisation Key Indicators
Chart 31 Network Readiness Ranking by Pillar in France and Regional Comparison 2024
Chart 32 Network Readiness Ranking for France and Regional Comparison 2019-2024
Chart 33 Network Readiness Ranking: Technology Pillar for France and Regional Comparison 2019-2024
Chart 34 Intellectual Property: France Compared to Selected Regional Peers 2024
The 2024 Index of Economic Freedom
The Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024
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