France, e-commerce and logistics
The e-commerce market in France has witnessed huge growth in recent years.
This makes it one of Europe's biggest e-commerce trading destinations. Here's what you need to know about making it your next destination to e-commerce delivery.
Why France?
In 2023, e-commerce users in France were estimated at over 51 million1, placing them third after Germany and the United Kingdom. The number of French e-commerce sites has almost doubled in the last decade, signifying the large potential of the country's flourishing trade in the digital realm.
The French are internet savvy, as 90% of the population between the age of 16-44 are daily users. The older generations are also showing a propensity to shop online too, especially in comparison to other countries.
- 160 billion Euro
- Retail e-commerce revenue in France
- 12.5%
- E-commerce share of total retail sales
- Amazon
- Most visited e-commerce website
[Stats taken from: www.statista.com/topics/6488/e-commerce-in-france#topicOverview]
The e-commerce landscape
The French B2C commerce market is estimated at USD 152 billion and continues to grow at a steady rate of more than 15%2. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely affected the retail sector and accelerated the development of online shopping, e-commerce trade continues to follow an upward trend.
Also redefining the landscape of e-commerce in France has been the rise of social media shopping and buying via livestreaming. There has been a huge rise in Instagram shopping with buyers directly clicking on the tags of the products they like on an Instagram post and purchasing them through an app.
Opportunities
According to a 2022 survey, a 25% of French shoppers reported having purchased on social media at least once, with celebrities and influencers being a leading source of motivation for around 18% of shoppers3. As shoppers spend more and more time on social meda content, social shopping promises to become one of the most relevant sales channels for e-commerce in the future.
The great news is that France e-buyers are more inclined to buy abroad than the average European e-buyer. In 2021, over 35% of French online shoppers bought from foreign e-merchants, and over 60% of e-merchants established in France received orders from customers abroad 4.
Retail e-commerce growth in France (2017-2025)
The second-hand vintage website Vinted was the most visited fashion and apparel website in 2023.
Logistics
So what do you need to take into account when shipping your products to France? Well the French apply taxes and duties to certain shipments, just like in any other country. So it's always good to make yourself aware of the possible tax and duty your customers may need to pay in order to import your product. You can familiarise yourself with the weights and prices of sending a package to France using our helpful shipping rates chart .
Keep in mind:
The tax threshold is low at 22 euros, which makes it likely that your shipment will have a VAT / GST tax of 20% applied.
What our experts say:
“The French e-commerce market is strong, with good infrastructure and a tech-savvy population, making it a good opportunity for e-commerce business.”
Simon Perkins, Commercial Director, SAMOS.