the fears of French exporting companies

The war in Ukraine is likely to have major economic consequences for French companies. In Calvados, bottles intended for Russia and Ukraine from a company are blocked. “For now, we are keeping the products and orders as they are and we will advise as the situation evolves, if these products [doivent être] reconditioned for another destination”, says Serge Der Sahaguian, Managing Director of Spirit France. The shortfall is significant: Russia represents 15% of sales, or 300,000 euros.

Same concern on the side of a manufacturer of agricultural equipment in Vendée. It has already stopped production for a Ukrainian order. “In 2014, when Crimea was invaded, […] the consequences were dramatic. We lost 30% of turnover behind. We are a little afraid that history will repeat itself”, deplores Benoît Carré, president of Carré SAS. The scenario is the same in a garment company in the North. Half of its production is made in Ukraine. In response to the Ukrainian conflict, Emmanuel Macron asked Jean Castex to develop a plan to help exporting companies.