Tracking the recent profound shifts in the relocation of production by major French automotive groups

Bulletin No. 259, article 3. Since 2018, the contribution of French automotive sector industrial groups to the current account balance of goods has fallen sharply, despite remaining positive (due to the increase in merchanting). Their trade balance registered through French Customs has fallen into deficit, with French automotive groups now importing more manufactured goods from abroad than they manufacture in France for export. This trend reflects an acceleration in the shift of value chains abroad, with assembly plants being developed outside France (mainly in Europe), and …