France Faces Historic Agri-Food Trade Deficit After Half a Century

France may record its first annual trade deficit in food and farm goods in nearly 50 years. Contributing factors include new wine tariffs, high cocoa and coffee import costs, and declining competitiveness in the agri-food sector, prompting concerns from industry representatives.

France is on the brink of recording its first annual trade deficit in food and agriculture in almost five decades, raising significant alarms within the sector. The deficit is largely attributed to the impact of new tariffs on wine exports and hefty costs for importing cocoa and coffee.

A deteriorating surplus, having already hit a low point last year, reveals a cumulative deficit of 351 million euros by September 2025, as per data from the French Agriculture Ministry. Economist Thierry Pouch noted the unprecedented nature of this decline, with France experiencing an agri-food surplus since 1978.

Efforts to revive cereal exports with a better harvest this year fell short of reversing the overall deficit. While temporary setbacks like tariffs might ease, structural challenges such as red tape and competitive costs continue to threaten the industry. Experts suggest emulating strategies from neighbors like Spain for improvement.

(With inputs from agencies.)