French Business Presence in Australia: 857 Subsidiaries and US$4.15 Billion in Exports

Australia has become an established market for French businesses looking to expand internationally, diversify their operations and access opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region. With hundreds of French subsidiaries operating locally and billions of dollars in bilateral trade, the relationship between France and Australia represents more than a commercial partnership. It provides a foundation for long-term international growth.

According to France's Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the latest available data recorded 857 subsidiaries of French companies in Australia, employing 75,421 people and generating an estimated €31.45 billion in turnover. These figures are based on 2023 data published in the French government's 2026 country factsheet. Source: France Diplomatie.

Trade figures also highlight the scale of this relationship. A UN Comtrade-based dataset reports that French merchandise exports to Australia reached approximately US$4.15 billion in 2025, although this represented a decline from US$4.36 billion in 2024. Source: Trendonify.

For French companies considering international expansion, these figures highlight Australia's established commercial links with France and the importance of understanding the local market before committing to a long-term presence.

How Significant Is the French Business Presence in Australia?

The French business presence in Australia extends well beyond exporting products. French subsidiaries operate locally, employ Australian workers and participate in major industries, including transport, energy, infrastructure and services.

The latest available figures from France Diplomatie indicate the following:

• 857 French subsidiaries operating in Australia, based on 2023 data.

• 75,421 local employees working for these subsidiaries.

• €31.45 billion in estimated turnover generated by these businesses.

• €15.93 billion in French direct investment stock in Australia in 2024.

These indicators demonstrate that French businesses have developed a substantial economic presence in Australia. They also show that international expansion can involve more than selling to Australian customers. For many businesses, establishing a local subsidiary and building a local workforce are important parts of their international strategy.

For French small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), however, the approach to market entry may differ from that of a multinational corporation. Smaller companies must carefully assess their market potential, operating costs, recruitment needs and compliance obligations before establishing a permanent presence.

French Exports to Australia: What Do the 2025 Figures Tell Us?

France and Australia maintain a diverse trading relationship involving manufactured goods, pharmaceuticals, machinery, aerospace products, food and beverages, and services.

A UN Comtrade-based dataset reports French merchandise exports to Australia of approximately US$4.15 billion in 2025, down from US$4.36 billion in 2024. The main categories included machinery and mechanical appliances, pharmaceutical products, and aircraft and spacecraft.

It is important to distinguish merchandise exports from total trade in goods and services. The European Commission's France-specific factsheet for the EU-Australia trade agreement reports French goods exports of €3.611 billion for 2025 and services exports of €2.764 billion using 2024 data. These figures cover different categories and periods, so they should not be treated as directly interchangeable with the US-dollar merchandise-trade estimate.

Which French Industries Have Opportunities in Australia?

Several industries are relevant to French businesses assessing the Australian market.

1. Aerospace and advanced manufacturing

Aerospace products have contributed to French export performance in Australia. Businesses in advanced manufacturing and industrial supply chains may find opportunities by assessing Australian demand, local procurement requirements and potential distribution partners.

2. Pharmaceuticals and healthcare

Pharmaceutical products are among France's significant merchandise exports to Australia. Companies entering this sector need to understand Australian product registration, regulatory requirements, distribution arrangements and applicable industry standards.

3. Energy and infrastructure

French businesses are active in Australia's energy and infrastructure sectors. Opportunities can include renewable energy, transport systems, engineering and infrastructure services, depending on project requirements and local market conditions.

4. Consumer goods, food and beverages

French products have an established presence in several Australian consumer markets. Businesses considering expansion must evaluate pricing, distribution, labelling, import requirements and competition from established local and international brands.

These sectors illustrate potential areas of interest, not a guarantee of commercial success. A market-entry strategy should be based on the company's specific offering, competitive position and target customers.

Why Are French Companies Expanding into Australia?

Australia offers several characteristics that can make it attractive to French businesses evaluating international expansion.

1. Access to an established economy

Australia has a developed economy, established business infrastructure and a substantial domestic market. For French companies, these conditions can support commercial activities ranging from importing and distribution to local recruitment and direct investment.

However, market size alone does not determine whether an expansion will succeed. Businesses should assess customer demand, competitors, pricing and the cost of operating locally.

2. A potential gateway to the Asia-Pacific region

Australia can serve as a base for companies exploring opportunities across the wider Asia-Pacific region. Its geographic position and established commercial links may support regional business development.

Nevertheless, Australia and other Asia-Pacific markets have different regulatory frameworks, consumer expectations and commercial practices. Establishing an Australian operation does not automatically provide access to neighbouring markets.

3. Strong bilateral trade and investment relationships

French companies already have a significant presence in Australia, supported by decades of commercial activity and investment.

In April 2026, Australian and French ministers reiterated their commitment to closer trade and investment cooperation through the Australia-France Ministerial Trade and Investment Dialogue. The discussions reinforced the importance of economic cooperation, resilience and strategic partnerships.

For companies considering entry, these bilateral relationships provide useful context. They do not replace the need for an independent assessment of the commercial, regulatory and operational requirements of the Australian market.

What Should French SMEs Consider Before Entering Australia?

While Australia's established French business community demonstrates that cross-border operations are possible, entering a new market still requires careful planning.

French SMEs should evaluate several key considerations before deciding whether to establish a local subsidiary, work with a partner or test demand through exports.

Market research and local competition

Before investing, businesses should determine whether Australian customers need their products or services and how their offering compares with existing alternatives.

Useful research includes identifying target industries, mapping competitors, evaluating customer purchasing behaviour and assessing realistic sales opportunities.

Local market research can also help businesses understand regional differences. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth, for example, have different industry profiles and commercial ecosystems.

Choosing the right operating structure

Companies can enter Australia through different arrangements, depending on their objectives and circumstances.

These may include exporting through a distributor, appointing a local commercial partner, establishing an Australian subsidiary or using an Employer of Record (EOR) to employ eligible workers locally without immediately establishing their own employing entity.

Each option has different implications for control, cost, risk and compliance. An EOR arrangement is not a universal substitute for setting up a subsidiary, and its suitability depends on the company's activities, employment arrangements and legal circumstances.

Businesses should obtain appropriate legal, tax and employment advice before selecting their structure.

Recruitment and employment compliance

Hiring Australian employees involves obligations that extend beyond issuing an employment contract.

Depending on the arrangement, employers may need to consider minimum employment entitlements, applicable awards and enterprise agreements, superannuation, payroll tax, workers' compensation, work health and safety, and tax reporting obligations.

Companies sending French employees to Australia must also assess immigration and work-authorisation requirements. French nationality alone does not provide an unrestricted right to work in Australia.

Understanding these requirements before recruitment begins can help businesses avoid costly operational problems.

Tax, payroll and corporate obligations

Businesses operating in Australia may face requirements involving Australian Business Numbers (ABNs), company registration, Goods and Services Tax (GST), payroll tax and other reporting obligations.

The applicable requirements depend on the company's legal structure, activities, revenue and workforce.

A business should assess these obligations early rather than treating them as administrative tasks to address after operations begin.

Building a reliable local network

Local relationships can help French companies understand market expectations, identify commercial opportunities and navigate unfamiliar business practices.

Potential partners include industry associations, distributors, professional advisers, recruitment specialists and local service providers.

A well-chosen network can support market entry, but businesses should conduct appropriate due diligence before entering into commercial agreements.

How Expandys Supports French Companies Expanding into Australia

For French businesses looking to establish or grow their Australian operations, the challenge is not simply identifying market potential. It is translating that potential into a practical, compliant and commercially sustainable operating model.

Expandys supports international companies with cross-border expansion, helping businesses assess their options and navigate the practical requirements of operating in markets including Australia, India and the United Kingdom.

Depending on a company's objectives, relevant support can include:

• Market research: Understanding local demand, competitors and potential commercial partners.

• Employer of Record and portage salarial solutions: Evaluating suitable workforce arrangements for international operations, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

• Local recruitment: Identifying talent and supporting the development of a local team.

• Subsidiary setup support: Understanding the steps involved in establishing a local corporate presence.

• Partner search: Identifying potential distributors, advisers and commercial partners.

• Compliance and HR support: Navigating employment-related processes and local operating requirements.

The right approach depends on the company's sector, stage of expansion, workforce plans and long-term objectives.

For an SME testing the Australian market, a staged approach may help limit initial commitments. A company planning substantial local investment, on the other hand, may need a more comprehensive strategy covering corporate structure, recruitment, tax, compliance and long-term operations.

👉 Download the Expandys EOR Checklist for Australia to help you evaluate the key considerations when selecting an EOR provider and preparing to hire in the Australian market.

Conclusion: Turning Australia's French Business Presence into an Opportunity

The scale of French business activity in Australia highlights the depth of the commercial relationship between the two countries.

With 857 French subsidiaries, more than 75,000 local employees and substantial bilateral trade, Australia is an established destination for French companies seeking international growth. The 2025 merchandise-export figures provide an additional indicator of the continuing commercial relationship, although individual businesses must assess their own market opportunities rather than relying on national trade figures alone.

For French SMEs considering expansion, success depends on more than identifying demand. It requires a clear market-entry strategy, an appropriate operating structure, access to local expertise and a sound understanding of Australian employment and compliance obligations.

Considering expanding your business into Australia? Explore how Expandys can help you assess your options, develop your local presence and navigate the practical requirements of international expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How many French subsidiaries operate in Australia?

According to France Diplomatie's 2026 country factsheet, 857 subsidiaries of French companies were operating in Australia based on the latest available data for 2023. These subsidiaries employed 75,421 people and generated an estimated €31.45 billion in turnover.

How much does France export to Australia?

A UN Comtrade-based dataset reports French merchandise exports to Australia of approximately US$4.15 billion in 2025, compared with US$4.36 billion in 2024. Other official sources publish figures in euros and may include different categories of goods and services, so the underlying methodology should be checked when comparing statistics.

Which French industries operate in Australia?

French companies have a presence in sectors including transport, energy, infrastructure, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, hospitality and consumer goods. The scale of activity varies by industry, and individual businesses should assess demand and competition before entering the market.

Why do French companies expand into Australia?

French businesses may expand into Australia to reach local customers, develop commercial partnerships, establish regional operations or diversify their international activities. The suitability of Australia depends on each company's products, target market, operating costs and strategic objectives.

Does a French company need to establish an Australian subsidiary to hire employees?

Not necessarily. Depending on the circumstances, a company may be able to use an Employer of Record or another suitable employment arrangement without immediately establishing its own subsidiary. The appropriate structure depends on the company's activities, legal obligations and workforce arrangements, and should be assessed with qualified advisers.

What should French SMEs consider before entering the Australian market?

French SMEs should evaluate market demand, competitors, pricing, corporate structure, employment and immigration requirements, tax obligations, payroll compliance and potential local partners. Thorough preparation can help businesses choose an entry strategy that aligns with their resources and objectives.

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