France trade balance positive

French construction equipment exports are reported to have grown in 2015, while imports fell, leaving a positive trade balance of €534 million.

The figures come from CISMA (the French association of manufacturers of construction equipment and material handling technology), which pointed out that it was important to note that France was one of only a few countries to record a positive trade balance.

French construction equipment exports recorded a total value of €2.52 billion in 2015, which was an increase of 4.2% compared to 2014. It was said to be driven by the ongoing economic recovery in major partners’ countries but also by the dynamism of US construction activity.

Imports fell by 15.4% (€1.9 billion) which was a result of the weakness of the French internal market. The positive trade balance reached a value of more than €534 million.

Exports grew for cranes, up 21.5%. Exports of road construction equipment and road maintenance equipment were up 11.5%, and earthmoving machines increased by 10.6%. However, exports of concrete equipment decreased by 15.1%, and exports of crushing and screening equipment plus conveyors fell by 19.3%.

Western Europe was still found to be the main destination for French equipment, but the US featured prominently, rising by 18%. In 2015, the US held the top position head of Germany.

On the other hand, exports to Russia fell dramatically, a decline of 57.9%, while exports to South America fell 16%. Exports to Africa were down by 7% last year.