EXPORT DESTINATIONS IN 2026: NEW MAPPING OF FRENCH AGRI-FOOD TRADE

According to the latest Business France report, global agri-food exports reached nearly €2 trillion in 2024, up 3% year-on-year despite geopolitical and climatic uncertainty. For France, modest growth of +1% masks major structural changes. While Europe remains the anchor market, new opportunities are emerging in North America and selected emerging regions.

From recovery to stabilisation

After the inflationary rebound of 2022 and a corrective year in 2023, 2024 marked a period of relative calm for international agri-food trade. In its latest analytical report, Business France, the public agency that accompanies French companies in their international development, provides an in-depth assessment of these shifts. The white paper, developed in partnership with and financially supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty, aims to deliver a clear, accessible understanding of the global forces shaping demand and the competitive positioning of French agri-food sectors. Drawing on market intelligence from Business France’s worldwide network, the report highlights a global increase of 3% in export value, reflecting stabilised prices and renewed confidence among exporters navigating an increasingly competitive food processing industry and restructured food sector.

The European Union continues to dominate, accounting for 38% of world exports and six member states in the global top ten. Within the EU, France retains a solid fourth position with €82 billion in agri-food exports in 2024, though its growth remains weaker than that of Italy and Spain. The Netherlands climbed to second place worldwide, ahead of the United States and Germany, while Brazil and Canada saw declines.

For France, the European Union absorbs 70% of exports, but other markets are making a comeback: the United States rose by +6%, confirming its role as a growth driver, while China continued to decline (–20%) due to lower cereal and cognac imports, a shift already visible at major international food industry exhibitions.

Although intra-EU trade has strengthened, the UK retains its status as France’s leading non-EU partner, absorbing 23% of European exports to third countries, followed by the United States (13%) and China (12%). Within the EU, the sectors sustaining export growth are dairy (+5%), cereal-based and bakery products (+4%), and meat (+2%), which compensate for the decline in alcoholic beverages (–5%).

North America: a key driver of growth

Across the Atlantic, the United States and Canada together account for 8.3% of French agri-food exports, totalling €6.9 billion in 2024. American demand for French wines, dairy, and bakery products remains strong, while value-added prepared foods such as cereals and fruit-based products have risen by double digits.

The Business France analysis points out that the U.S. has overtaken China as the world’s largest agri-food importer, with imported up +9% in 2024. Despite trade-barrier risks, French exporters benefit from strong brand recognition and a favourable exchange rate environment. Canada, meanwhile, shows steady growth (+4.3%), supported by the CETA agreement and increased demand for premium processed goods.

Asia: contrasts and realignments

The picture in Asia is more uneven. The Greater China region remains under pressure, with French exports falling to €3.5 billion (–17%). Trade tensions, anti-dumping investigations targeting pork and cognac, and weaker consumer spending have significantly impacted performance.

Elsewhere, however, certain sub-regions offer new potential. Southeast Asia and Oceania, representing 3.4% of French exports, reached €2.7 billion in 2024. Singapore and Australia remain key partners, while Thailand recorded a strong +30% rise in imports from France. In South Asia, growth is limited (–3.3%), but Bangladesh stands out with a +30% surge in French agri-food imports.

Japan and South Korea also remain stable markets for premium French products such as cheese, pastries, and wine, confirming the region’s appetite for quality over quantity.

Africa and the Middle East: mixed momentum

African markets continue to offer selective opportunities. The Maghreb region absorbed €1.7 billion in 2024, up 0.7%, led by Morocco (+1.9%) and Libya (+15%). By contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa saw a slight contraction (–3.7%), with exports reaching €2.5 billion, mainly dairy products and cereals. Côte d’Ivoire (+6.7%) and Senegal (+16.7%) remain key destinations for French goods.

The Middle East, with exports totalling €2.4 billion (+7.9%), stands out as one of the most dynamic areas. The United Arab Emirates lead the way (+15%), ahead of Saudi Arabia (+12%) and Egypt (+8%), while Turkey stabilises after last year’s exceptional surge. The demand for bakery products, dairy, and spirits positions French companies favourably in this premium-oriented region.

Sector by sector: where French expertise shines

The 2026 overview underscores the diversity of French export strengths:

• French Dairy Products: €9.2 billion exported (+2.5%), with France ranking 4th globally. Growth is driven by cheese and protein powders, notably to Spain, Belgium, and South Korea.
• Bakery, Viennoiserie, Pastry (BVP): €3.7 billion exported (+5.5%), France holding 3rd place worldwide. Europe remains the base, but the U.S. and Middle East are expanding markets.
• Processed foods and grocery: €7.9 billion (+3%), led by coffee, chocolate, and condiments. Strong potential in the U.S., Japan, and Poland.
• Meat: €4.9 billion (+3.1%), with poultry exports rebounding thanks to better control of avian influenza. Germany, Italy, and Belgium account for over half of sales.
• Cereals: €6.8 billion, stable despite a poor harvest and lower global prices. The main growth drivers are China, Mexico, and West Africa.
• Alcoholic beverages: Still France’s top export segment at €16.8 billion, despite a 4% decline. The U.S. remains the first market for wines and spirits, while Asia is slowing.
• Together, these sectors illustrate a gradual shift from volume to value, confirming France’s competitive advantage in quality, traceability, and branding.

Export strategy for 2026: targeted, flexible, and resilient

The report concludes that the next phase of French agri-food export growth will depend on adaptability. Rising costs, climatic volatility, and protectionist policies require companies to diversify and modernise their approach.

Business France identifies several levers: investing in high-value segments (dairy proteins, plant-based alternatives, premium bakery), strengthening local partnerships, and leveraging digital marketplaces such as the Business France e-Export platform to enhance visibility abroad.

Europe will remain the foundation, but the outlook extends globally, from North America’s appetite for premium products to Asia’s growing middle classes and Africa’s demographic dynamism.

As Philippe Marrec, Director of the Info-Conseil Department at Business France, writes in his introduction: “French companies must identify niche opportunities and promote the quality and diversity of their expertise. The goal is not only to export more, but to export better.”