Global Markets and Trade

French agriculture operates in an increasingly global context. While the EU provides a protected market for many products, international competition intensifies and export opportunities expand.

Export Champions

Several sectors successfully compete globally:

- Wine exports exceed €10 billion annually, with Asia driving growth - Dairy products, particularly cheese, find expanding markets worldwide - Wheat exports supply North African and Middle Eastern markets - Seed companies like Limagrain lead global markets

Success factors include quality reputation, effective marketing, and government export support through Business France and regional agencies.

Import Pressures

Simultaneously, imports challenge domestic producers:

- Fresh produce from Spain and Morocco undercuts French vegetables - New Zealand lamb and Irish beef compete in quality segments - Ukrainian grain potentially disrupts cereal markets - Tropical products increasingly substitute temperate alternatives

French agriculture's response emphasizes differentiation through quality, origin labeling, and sustainability credentials rather than competing solely on price.