Anglo-French Trade

1. In the first six months of 2005, UK exports to France increased by 5% to £9.5 billion,
compared to the first six months of 2004. Imports rose slightly by 1.3% to £10.2 billion.
The trade balance deficit was £0.8 billion (see table 1, page 10). Exports were more
dynamic in the first quarter than in the second quarter of 2005. This is mainly due the
sharp decline in oil sales in April-June, compared to the previous three months.

2. UK sales of manufactured products to France increased by 7.5% in the first half of
2005 compared to the same period in 2004, to £7.7 billion. By sector, best export
performances were for machinery: +22%, semi-finished manufactures: +11%, electronic
products: +9% and transport equipment: +8%. The buoyant French construction market
has sustained British exports of building materials such as iron and steel (+42%).
Exports fell for chemicals and consumer goods. See paragraphs 8-17 for detailed
information.

3. UK exports of food and beverages fell by 4% to £0.6 billion (see paragraphs 18-23,
pages 7 and 8). Exports of oil to France declined by 8% compared to the first half of
2004, to 0.95 billion (they dropped by 50% in the second quarter of 2005 compared to
the previous quarter). See paragraphs 24-26, page 8.

[12/01/2006]