The economic activities in France are led by services at 78.8% of GDP, with industry at 19.5% and agriculture at 1.7%. What are the main economic activities in France? The economy reached about $3.16 trillion in 2024, among the world's largest, with aerospace, automotive, and luxury goods prominent. Services dominate while farming sustains its rural regions.
France is a major player in the global economy, with a GDP of approximately $3.16 trillion in 2024, ranking among the seven largest economies in the world. In terms of GDP per capita, France stood at about $46,103 in 2024 (World Bank).
France’s diverse economy, including industries such as aerospace, automotive, and luxury goods, contributes significantly to its strong economic position on the world stage.
What are the economic activities of France?
- Primary activities: 1.7% of GDP.
- Secondary activities: 19.5% of GDP.
- Tertiary activities: 78.8% of GDP.
Primary Sector of France
France’s primary sector, particularly its agricultural activities, thrives due to its diverse climate and abundant natural resources. With 52.15% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops and animal products. The main agricultural products include wheat, sugar beets, milk, barley, maize, potatoes, grapes, rapeseed, pork, and sunflower seeds.
Despite contributing only 1.7% to the GDP, agriculture plays a vital role in the economy by providing a wide range of products and sustaining rural communities.
France’s diverse geology provides a rich array of natural resources. Coal, iron ore, bauxite, zinc, and uranium support its industrial sector. Additionally, antimony, arsenic, and potash contribute to various industries. The country’s economy benefits from feldspar, fluorspar, gypsum, timber, arable land, and fish resources. Gold deposits, petroleum, kaolin, niobium, tantalum, and clay further enhance its economic growth.France’s oil production of around 13,033 barrels per day ranks it 54th globally. With oil reserves of 78,431,000 barrels, it holds 0% of the world’s reserves.France’s gas production in 2020 reached 28 million m³, ranking 90th globally, contributing to its economic activity.Secondary Sector of France
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector comprises industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products for consumption. In France, main industrial products include machinery, chemicals, automobiles, metallurgy, aircraft, electronics, textiles, and food processing. These products are essential for both domestic consumption and export markets, contributing significantly to the country’s economy and industrial development.Manufactures play a crucial role in France’s total exports, accounting for 76.03% in 2023. This highlights the significant contribution of the manufacturing sector to the country’s economy and global trade presence.Tertiary sector of France
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of France
The military is a clear example of how different economic activities work together. In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military use. The secondary sector involves the manufacturing of military equipment. The tertiary sector includes services provided by the military, while the quaternary sector focuses on military research and development. Lastly, the quinary sector deals with high-level military decision-making and strategy.
In France, the most recent annual military expenditure is $61.3 billion. This spending is about 1.94% of the country’s GDP. France has an active military force of 208,750 personnel. This means there are about 5.6 active military members for every 1,000 people in the country.
Biggest company in France
Which is the biggest company in France? By market capitalization it is LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, a leader in luxury goods. Founded in 1987, LVMH had a market value of approximately $290 billion as of 2026, making it a key player in the tertiary economic sector. By revenue, the largest French company is the energy group TotalEnergies (about $195 billion in 2024 revenue) (companiesmarketcap.com).International Trade of France
Import Activities of France
France’s import activities are of high importance, with total imports in 2023 amounting to 777.13 billion USD, representing 38.56% of its GDP.France’s import activities are diversified, with key partners like Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands. Imports include natural gas, cars, petroleum products, and garments.Exports Activities of France
In 2023, France’s total exports amounted to 640.20 billion USD, accounting for 34.69% of its GDP. This indicates a medium level of importance, highlighting the country’s significant reliance on export activities for economic growth and stability.France’s export activities are diverse, with key partners including Germany, Italy, the US, Belgium, and Spain. Major export commodities include aircraft, packaged medicine, cars, natural gas, and vehicle parts/accessories.France economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, France faces economic challenges due to high public debt and ongoing pension reforms. Transitioning to a green economy under the “France 2030” strategy is a priority, alongside maintaining strong sectors like tourism and aircraft manufacturing.Sources
Last updated: June 20, 2026
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