According to the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), France is the world's 5th largest exporter and the 4th largest importer of manufactured goods. As with most other western nations, France has a large and diverse industrial base, with leading sectors being telecommunications (including communication satellites), aerospace and defense, naval and specialist ship building, pharmaceuticals, construction and civil engineering, chemicals, and automobile productions. Spending on research and development is also quite high in France, with the nation spending 2.3% of its GDP on these endeavors (the 3rd highest R&D-dedicated monies in the OECD).

Despite its lack of domestic oil production, France is the most energy independent of all western nations, relying heavily on the development of nuclear power. In fact, nuclear power now accounts for approximately 78% of the country's electricity production (up from only 8% in 1973). Yet despite the important of this and other hi-tech industries (particularly aerospace), large tracks of fertile land, the application of modern farming technologies, and significant EU subsidies in agriculture has made France the top agricultural producer and exporter in all of Europe. In addition to wine, other important exported foodstuffs include wheat, poultry, beef, pork, and a wide variety of “luxury” food items.

As mentioned above, France is the 3rd largest trading nation in Europe (after Germany and the United Kingdom). Primary export partners are Germany (14.7%), Spain (9.6%), the United Kingdom (8.3%), the United States (7.2%), and Belgium (7.1%), with primary import partners being the same (plus the addition of the Netherlands). Overall trade with the United States is of particular importance. Imports from the U.S. accounted for 8.7% (USD$25 billion) of France’s total imports, with main imports from the U.S. being industrial chemicals, aircraft and engines, electronic components, telecommunications, computer software, computers and peripherals, analytical and scientific instrumentation, medical instruments and supplies, and broadcasting equipment. Chief French exports to the U.S. include aircraft and engines, beverages, electrical equipment, chemicals, cosmetics, and luxury products and perfumes.