Doing Business In (Insert Country Name Here) - BNA

Water Resources Equipment and Services (WRE) Return to top
Overview Return to top
2006* 2007* 2008*
Total Market Size 19,200 21,943 22,829
Total Local Production 15,300 17,486 18,192
Total Exports 4,080 4,663 4,851
Total Imports 5,100 5,829 6,064
Total Imports from U.S. 1,180 1,349 1,403
Exchange Rate: USD 1.00 0.8 0.7 0.7
(Figures in USD millions; * Estimated figures)
Source: French Ministry of Environment
The total French market for water treatment equipment and related services is estimated
to be worth USD 22 billion. A stable economy and financial institutions, stronger
European Union (E.U.) regulations and the increasing costs associated with polluting
have played a major role in an expanding market for water treatment equipment and
services. In addition, greater interest in complying with environmental regulations by
national and local government officials has stimulated this market. All these factors
should contribute to continued growth in 2008 and offer market opportunities in a
number of areas.
Best Products/Services Return to top
Best prospects include construction, operations, maintenance and repairs of small-to-
medium-sized water treatment plants; wastewater sludge treatment; installation and
maintenance of stand-alone sewage treatment tanks; remote monitoring technology; and
membranes and water filters. Non point source pollution management and water
conservation including leak detection and reclamation are becoming of major
importance.
Opportunities Return to top
Storm water Management
Urban development, environmental concerns and water quality have brought non point
source water and rainwater management to the fore in France. Consequently,
progressive storm water management policies have been implemented to mitigate the
environmental impact of urban development. While the main focus has been placed on
treating and disposing of rainwater for environmental reasons, residential applications
have been used for many years. In addition, industry has recently discovered the
benefits of this vital resource for its own processes that can decrease operating costs
and strengthen bottom lines. This is driving the market for rainwater capture, storage
and reutilization technologies and include green houses watering, commercial and
industrial water cooling, water jet cutting, car washing and other ultra-pure, low mineral
content water applications.
2/15/2008 Country Commercial Guide for France 50
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© 2007. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.