A recent study by Rexecode suggests that reindustrialization in France is not detrimental to the environment, as producing locally often results in lower emissions compared to imports. Since 1990, France has seen a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to improvements in energy efficiency and regulations, with industry responsible for most of this decline. However, shifting production overseas has led to higher emissions from imports, indicating that reindustrialization could enhance ecological benefits.
Who claimed that reindustrialization equates to increased pollution? Contrary to this belief, a report released by the private economic institute Rexecode this Tuesday suggests the opposite. In reality, producing goods within France tends to be more environmentally friendly than importing them. Given France’s energy mix—which currently results in lower CO2 emissions than many other nations—enhancing domestic manufacturing could serve as a significant ecological advantage.
Since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions in France have consistently decreased. They have dropped by 31%, even as the population has grown by 17% and gross domestic product (GDP) has surged by 64%. Notably, the industrial sector alone has accounted for 71% of this reduction, with manufacturing responsible for 52% and energy production for 20%. This progress is largely due to improvements in France’s energy mix and the implementation of better regulations governing production processes. Surprisingly, closures of manufacturing facilities have played a minimal role; according to Rexecode’s findings, only 9% of the reduction in emissions since 1973 can be linked to deindustrialization.
The Significant Carbon Footprint of Imports
Raphaël Trotignon, the economist behind the study, utilized a meticulous method to arrive at his conclusions. He first estimates France’s emissions had deindustrialization not occurred, then contrasts this with actual emissions to determine the difference. The result is telling: approximately 9% of greenhouse gas emissions can be traced back to industrialization. “This implies that a significant 91% of the nation’s reductions in greenhouse gas emissions were realized through advancements in energy efficiency and decarbonization,” the study notes.
However, this seemingly optimistic outlook hides a troubling reality: relocating industry has had little impact on reducing CO2 emissions for France—and in some cases, has even exacerbated them. The emissions linked to French consumption (including imports) exceed those from exports by 35%. Simply put, the emissions tied to imported products consumed in France are greater than those of domestically produced and exported goods. This discrepancy arises chiefly from France’s energy mix, which relies heavily on nuclear power while progressively adopting renewable energy solutions. Furthermore, emissions from imports surged by 32% between 1995 and 2022.
This situation casts doubt on the positive carbon balance frequently reported by the government: while emissions are decreasing domestically, they are rising in countries from which France imports goods. For instance, an electric vehicle produced in France results in 6 tonnes of CO2 emissions, whereas the same model manufactured in China emits 23 tonnes—making it four times higher. This data reinforces further arguments in favor of revitalizing domestic industry in France.