Doing Business In (Insert Country Name Here) - BNA

Computers and Peripherals (CPT) Return to top
Overview Return to top
2006 2007 2008*
Total Market Size 18,207 17,205 18,409
Total Local Production 10,935 10,333 11,056
Total Exports 836 790 845
Total Imports 8,108 7,662 8,198
Imports from the U.S. 2,913 2,752 2,944
Euro exch.rate: $1.00 E 0.8 E 0.7 Euro 0.7*
(Figures in USD millions)
* Estimates
Estimated at $139 billion in 2007, the French market for information and communication
technologies - which includes computer hardware/software, telecommunications and
electronic components – is growing at a rate of 5% per year. One third of this market is
related to telecommunication services, and two thirds from computer hardware as well
as software and related services.
The computer & peripherals market has grown by 8% in 2007. The market is driven by
the sale of consumer electronics, including smart phones, I-mode, 3G and PDAs. The
level of penetration in individual homes exceeds 50%.
The French public sector has greatly contributed to the boost in IT sales, as it currently
represents 6% of total IT investments. The French government continues increasing its
use of the Internet as a medium of communication with the public; this continues its
effort in maximizing use of the Internet in order to improve the quality of public services
while generating savings. Launched in January 1998, the Government Action Program
for an Information Society (PAGSI) is investing billions of dollars in the automation of
VAT declaration, customs declaration, and the filing of social contributions by
employees. As a result, over 2.3 million French taxpayers – or 4% of the overall
population - filled out their income tax return on the Internet.
Internet Connections and High-Speed Connections
According to market consulting firm Mediametrie, over 30 million French people or 57%
of the French population are connected to the Internet, including 23 million or 44% of the
population through a high-speed connection.
On the business level, 98% of French SMEs use a PC; 80% are connected to the
Internet, and over 50% have websites. SMEs (49%) have websites to provide services
to their clients and suppliers, while French corporations (79%) use their website in order
to promote their image. Seventeen percent of these organizations engage in Ecommerce.
2/15/2008 Country Commercial Guide for France 45
INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT, U.S. & FOREIGN COMMERCIAL SERVICE AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE,
© 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.