the essential
Despite a low weight in regional exports, Tarn-et-Garonnaise companies are intensifying their efforts to open up internationally. The Occitanie Export Tour sought to reassure leaders in an uncertain global context.
Tarn-et-Garonne is far from being an export champion. In 2023, the department's companies generated 631 million euros internationally, or only 1.3% of Occitanie's exports.
Monday, November 25, the third edition of the Occitanie Export Tour, organized by the CCI Occitanie, stopped in the department to help companies conquer international markets. “This annual meeting is now establishing itself as a key initiative to stimulate the exports of local companies, believes Alain Boderiou, boss of the Montalbanese company Elaul and president of Club Export 82. The combined expertise of Team France Export Occitanie – bringing together the CCI, Business France, Bpifrance and the Region – made it possible to offer participants personalized support and concrete tools for their international development.”
“Internationally, let’s share experiences”
At the start of the 2020s, Occitanie had some 10,600 exporting companies. However, less than 6% of them represented 53% of total exports, a concentration which highlights the low share of VSEs and SMEs in international trade. Local companies can take inspiration from regional locomotives such as Airbus or Pierre Fabre. Business leaders still need to be reassured before entering foreign markets, in a complex international context. War in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, protectionism reinforced with the election of Trump… there is currently no shortage of reasons for concern. “Both at the Export 82 Club, which meets regularly, and during the Occitanie Export Tour, the objective is to share experiences and take the right reflexes when aiming to launch into international trade, summarizes a technician from the CCI It is essential to choose the country with which to trade and to secure the legal approach. It is in particular the job of Business France and Bpifrance to support our companies internationally.
Tarn-et-Garonne: international trade in figures
Of the €49.6 billion in exports from Occitanie, Tarn-et-Garonne accounts for €631 million, or around 1.3% of the total, which places the department in 9th place out of the 13 departments. of Occitania.
The department's balance is strongly negative at almost €510 million since imports represent 1.14 billion euros or 3% of regional imports.
Among the flagship products of Tarn-et-Garonnaise exports, we find first agricultural products and livestock for €190 million (i.e. 28% of the total), then electrical equipment €82 million (12.5%) and general machinery and equipment 9%.
In terms of imports, we also find agricultural and livestock products which come out on top with €164 million followed by basic chemical products for €74 million then electrical equipment at 5.6%.
Concerning the countries to which Tarn-et-Garonne trades, we find Spain in first place with 168 M€ (25% of exports) then Germany for 80 M€, followed by Italy with €52 million. On the import side, Tarn-et-Garonne's leading supplier is Spain with €198 million, followed by the Netherlands with €176 million and China with €142 million.
The event, designed to address both beginners and experienced exporters, this year offered Tarn-et-Garonne companies a workshop on the right choices for international distribution and online sales, listing operational, legal and regulatory aspects. If Tarn-et-Garonne is still far from establishing itself as an export heavyweight, initiatives such as the Occitanie Export Tour show that the path to international markets begins with a first step.
Pascal Roux: “Even if the context is not easy, we must encourage our companies to export”
President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tarn-et-Garonne, Pascal Roux is the first to motivate local businesses to launch into international trade. He explains why.
DDM – Manu Massip
What is the benefit of receiving the Occitanie Export Tour in Tarn-et-Garonne?
This makes it possible to talk to our business leaders about exporting in a simple and concrete way. In terms of strategy, customs and tax regulations, prospecting, financing… our leaders can learn a little more about export mechanisms. As with the Export Club 82, it is important to exchange testimonials from companies that have succeeded or experienced difficulties internationally.
Isn't venturing to sell your products or your know-how far from home more risky at the moment in a complicated international context?
Of course, it is easier to sell your products close to home or in France. But we must keep in mind that there is thirty times more turnover to be achieved from exports than on the simple national market. Between the uncertainties in the Middle East, the Russo-Ukrainian war and reinforced protectionism with customs duties exploding in certain places, I'm not going to tell you that it's easy. But we must not give up.
What is the solution to avoid making a mistake?
Be accompanied by international trade experts such as Business France and Bpi France, come and meet our advisors at the CCI. The idea is to really not rush into markets that we don't know and in countries where we don't have control over commercial legislation.
Are there countries or regions of the world where it is easier to prospect currently?
It really depends on your business. But we agree that the European market will not be in great shape until Germany is better, that South America is complicated with dissuasive taxes, that Africa and the Middle East remain interesting markets if you are supported by a company that is already well established…
And the arrival of Trump at the head of the United States?
We are waiting for new laws, tax changes… for my company Neotec the period is complicated with North America until we see more clearly. You have to be patient.
When the Occitanie Export Tour came to Montauban, Scandinavian countries were highlighted. Is this the new Eldorado for our businesses?
Highlighting Denmark, Sweden and Finland is above all promoting stable countries that maintain a good level of consumption. But I don't see it as an Eldorado because it's always very complicated to trade with Scandinavia. To currently focus on a destination, it would be Oceania and in particular Australia which offers great prospects.
