A lot of France's imports are for energy, industrial production, transportation, electronics, and healthcare. This is because of its position. In 2025, France imported goods worth over $777 billion. Five product chapters (HS 2-digit categories) made for almost half of that total.

As per France Import Export Trade Data by Import Globals, this demonstrates how much demand there is for critical inputs and high-value manufactured goods. Using HS chapters, which is how customs and trade statistics have always grouped things, is a solid technique to figure out what "top imports" are. HS chapters organize thousands of elements into big groups, which makes it easier to understand how an economy functions. In 2025, the top five HS chapters for France present a simple story: France buys gas to run its transportation and industry, tools to power manufacturing, cars for people and businesses to get around, gadgets for a digital economy, and pharmaceuticals to help with healthcare.

1) Mineral Fuels and Oils (HS 27): The Energy Import That Affects Everything

As per France Import Custom Data by Import Globals, France's greatest group of imports is HS 27, which includes mineral fuels and oils. It's not just about filling up cars with petrol at gas stations. Energy imports are important to many aspects of the economy, such as road and air transport, heating for factories, some types of energy generating and backup systems, and the petrochemical chain that creates everything from plastics to specific industrial materials.

Based on France Import Trade Analysis by Import Globals, changes in prices around the world also have the most effect on HS 27. Even if France buys the same amount of stuff, the value of that stuff can change a lot based on how much oil and gas costs. Because of this price sensitivity, news about energy imports is common during times of turbulence. In trade terms, HS 27 is "macro-important" because it can change the total import bill and the trade balance more than many other categories because the numbers are so big.

As per France Export Data by Import Globals, from a strategic point of view, the most important thing to understand is that energy imports are usually structural. France may become less dependent on energy by using it more efficiently, using more electricity, and using a wider range of energy sources. Energy is still the most significant import, though.

2) Machinery and Mechanical Appliances (HS 84): Things We Bring In That Help Us Get More Done

As per France Exporter Data by Import Globals, Machinery (HS 84) is the second largest group of imports. This category is a useful way to tell how well an industry can work and how much money it has because it includes the tools that factories and infrastructure projects need, like manufacturing machines, specialized industrial systems, mechanical parts, and a lot of other high-value products.

France doesn't import machinery because it doesn't have any; it does so because modern production is spread out and specialized. Companies usually receive the best equipment from suppliers all around the world, and during the manufacturing process, parts move across borders numerous times through sophisticated European supply chains.

As per France Import Data by Import Globals, HS 84 is significant for the economy since it has a multiplier effect. Machines make work more efficient, better quality, and start new lines of production. In other words, the amount of machinery that France imports is typically tied to how well its industry can compete, from how well it creates goods to how well it refreshes its energy and infrastructure.

3) Vehicles and Parts (HS 87)

According to France Importer Data by Import Globals, European Auto Supply Chains and Mobility Vehicles and Parts (HS 87) are the third-largest segment of imports. This is a mix of what consumers desire, how firms ship stuff, and how well Europe works together to make automobiles. Even countries that make their own vehicles import a lot of them since individuals buy a variety of different brands and types. Commercial fleets need special cars, Parts moving across borders is also vital for making cars.

Another thing to keep in mind is that HS 87 isn't just for finished cars. A big portion of it is parts and accessories that help with assembly and repairs and replacements in the aftermarket. This means that HS 87 is closely linked to both the real economy (freight and business activities) and how people act at home (large purchases).

As per France Import Trade Statistics by Import Globals, the contents of HS 87 can alter as transportation becomes more electrified. For instance, there might be additional varieties of EVs, different kinds of parts, and new supply chain dependencies. But the chapter will still be one of the most essential parts of the book.

4) Electrical Machinery and Electronics (HS 85): The Hardware of a Digital Economy

Electrical machinery and electronics (HS 85) is France's fourth-largest group of imports. It matters because it encompasses the things that make modern living possible, like telecom equipment, computer hardware, electrical parts, and many other things that people use at home, at work, and in industry.

As per France Import Shipment Data by Import Globals, France gets a lot of items from this area because the electronics sector is based in certain places and the value chains are extremely international. Even countries with a lot of money often acquire a lot of electronics and telecom hardware from other countries.

This group also has patterns that will remain for a long time. As economies becoming digital and mechanized, the requirement for electrical parts and electronic devices grows. HS 85 assists with: telecommunications and networking, automation in business, demand for gadgets for the home, Parts that are used in a multitude of various types of production.

In actual life, HS 85 is what makes "everything connect," from houses to factories.5) Pharmaceutical Products (HS 30): Imports that are needed for healthcare to keep going.

5) Pharmaceuticals (HS 30) are the last item in the top five

France has a good healthcare system and a strong pharmaceutical sector at home, but the supply chains for medications are global and very specific. Many modern drugs and biologics demand better manufacturing capacity, specific types of intellectual property, or production procedures that are tightly controlled and spread out across countries. People need medicines for health reasons, not just for fun, thus pharmaceutical imports are usually rather stable. Even when the economy is slow, countries maintain bringing in medicines, vaccines, and other vital health care supplies.

HS 30 being in the top five for France indicates that trade isn't just about goods for people and businesses; it's also about keeping people safe and making sure systems work.

A Quick Look at Item Levels: What Are These Groups?

A lot of the value in these broad chapters, notably in energy and transportation, comes from a few specific commodities. As per France Export Import Global Trade Data by Import Globals, France's major imports in 2025 were passenger cars, petroleum gases, crude petroleum oils, refined petroleum products, and vital medicines. This view of individual items shows why HS 27 and HS 87 are so big: the unit values are large and there is always a need for them.

Last Thoughts

The most significant commodities that France will buy from other countries in 2025 show what a modern economy needs. Energy (HS 27) is the most essential item of the import bill, and it changes price quite easily. Machinery (HS 84) illustrates that a country can manufacture things and put money into them. HS 87 includes cars and parts, which show how people may get about and how European supply chains function together. Electronics (HS 85) assist factories get digital and become more electric. Pharmaceuticals (HS 30) make sure that healthcare keeps going.

These groups are the main products that France buys from foreign countries. They also highlight where price shocks or difficulties with the supply chain can have the biggest effects on the overall country. Import Globals is a leading data provider of France Import Export Trade Data.

FAQs

Que. What does France buy from other countries that is most important?
Ans. The most important things we buy from other countries are mineral fuels and oils (HS 27).

Que. Why does France import so much machinery?
Ans. This is because companies need specialized global equipment and supply chains that cross borders to source parts and produce goods.

Que. Are vehicles really the most significant thing that France gets from other countries?
Ans. Yes. France imports both finished automobiles and a lot of parts that are used to manufacture cars and sell them again.

Que. Why are drugs one of the top five?
Ans. Healthcare systems need to be able to get contemporary medicines and biologics reliably. These are made through specialized supply chains around the world.

Que. Where to get detailed France Import Export Global Data?
Ans. Visit www.importglobals.com.