France Country Profile
As one of North Carolina’s top trading partners, French companies have come to America for many reasons, such as the state’s emphasis on innovation and...
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Why French Companies Should Invest in
North Carolina
As one of North Carolina’s top trading partners, French companies are attracted to the state’s emphasis on innovation and technology. North Carolina offers a business-friendly climate with competitive operating costs, a pro-regulatory environment, and streamlined tax structures that make it easy to do business in the US. The state’s central East Coast location provides strategic access to half the American population within a day’s drive, supported by four international airports and two deep seaports. With established French companies like bioMérieux and Tageos already thriving in the state, North Carolina provides the ideal environment for French businesses seeking to establish or expand their American operations.
Tageos Selects Henderson County for Its North American HQ
Global RFID inlays and tags manufacturer, Tageos will create 64 new jobs and invest $19.25 million to establish its North American headquarters in the Town of Fletcher, located in Henderson County.
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bioMérieux Opens New Production Facility in Durham
bioMérieux, a world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics, is proud to announce the opening of a new production line at its Americas Headquarters in Durham, North Carolina.
Learn MoreFrench Investment by the Numbers
$439M
in Capital Investment from French Companies since 2013
$2.7B
in Goods Imported from France to North Carolina (2024)
2
Honorary Consuls
4,335
French Immigrants Living in North Carolina
Strategic Location
With half of the American population within a day’s drive, North Carolina is strategically positioned in the middle of the United States’ East Coast. Four international airports and two deep seaports put many customers and suppliers within reach.
Speed to Market
You don’t have to navigate complicated tax structures or bureaucratic red tape to do business in North Carolina. We have a top business tax environment and are full of resources for all permitting, licensing, and other regulation questions.
Hub for Innovation
You’ll find North America’s largest research park and life sciences hub located in the Raleigh-Durham area, while Charlotte is the second largest financial center in the US. North Carolina is also known for its agriculture, food, and automotive manufacturing sectors.
Top Trading Partner
France is one of North Carolina’s top trading partners. In 2024, the state imported $2.7 billion in French goods and exported over $1.7 billion in goods to France. Top products include aircraft engines, passenger vehicles, and radioactive materials.
French Companies Prosper in North Carolina
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does North Carolina's business environment compare for French companies?
North Carolina offers French companies an excellent business environment with low operating costs and quick speed to market. The state provides a robust talent pipeline, which is crucial for companies looking to scale their operations in the US market.
The strong economic ties between France and North Carolina underscore this opportunity: in 2024, the state imported $2.7 billion in French goods and exported over $1.7 billion in goods, making France one of the state’s top trading partners. This established trade relationship, combined with North Carolina’s business advantages, positions the state as an ideal destination for French companies seeking cross-border expansion.
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Which French companies have operations in North Carolina?
There are 132 French firms in North Carolina employing more than 20,000 workers across the state. Some notable French companies with operations in North Carolina include Michelin, Aplix, bioMerieux, Arkema, AXA Advisors, and more.
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How can French businesses get support when establishing operations in North Carolina?
French companies looking to expand in the United States will receive customized, end-to-end support through North Carolina. Our team works directly with your company to understand your goals and connect you with statewide resources and partners through every step of the business relocation process—from site selection and workforce solutions to incentives, regulatory guidance, and local market insights.
North Carolina is also home to a growing French business presence, and we facilitate connections within this community. There are two honorary consuls to France that provide additional consular support and serves as a valuable resource for French companies and citizens in the state.
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Contact Us
Anders Victor
Director of Business Development
Luigi Mercuri
Managing Director,
Europe Investment Office
Michael Ritschl
Director, Europe Investment Office
