Louisiana’s strong business ties and growing Francophone population reflect its historical roots in France.
Lasting impressions made by early French settlers help to define Louisiana’s reputable culture, food, art and language. Dating back to the 17th century French exploration period, France has shown great interest in Louisiana. Since 2003, French companies have accounted for 10 projects in Louisiana, representing a total capital investment of $926.8 million, with a creation of 1,778 jobs.
Notable French Investment in Louisiana
- Air Liquide – Industrial gas supply specialist, air separation unit, $160 million
- AXA Advisors – Financial services regional headquarters, $29 million
- SNF Holding – Chemical manufacturer, water-soluble polymers facility, $362 million
- CMA CGM Group – In December 2016, CMA CGM Group announced the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal at the Port of New Orleans as their new vessel for a direct-to-Asia container service. CMA CGM is the world’s third-largest container carrier and is based in Marseille, France. The direct weekly service to Asia will provide transit time of as little as 26 days from Asia, allowing container shipments to reach their destinations much sooner. This new connection between New Orleans will add capacity and reliability for Louisiana exporters and importers abroad.
Trade Between France and Louisiana
| Exports to France | |
|---|---|
| Mineral Fuel, Oil Etc.; Bitumin Subst; Mineral Wax | $4.8 billion |
| Fertilizers | $229.4 million |
| Organic Chemicals | $85.8 million |
| Miscellaneous Chemical Products | $59 million |
| Raw Hides And Skins (no Furskins) and Leather | $42.2 million |
| Plastics and Articles Thereof | $36.2 million |
| Ores, Slag And Ash | $25.6 million |
| Beverages, Spirits And Vinegar | $16.5 million |
| Nuclear Reactors, Boilers, Machinery Etc.; Parts | $5.7 million |
| Miscellaneous Edible Preparations | $5.5 million |
| TOTAL | $5.3 BILLION |
| Imports from France | |
|---|---|
| Mineral Fuel, Oil Etc.; Bitumin Subst; Mineral Wax | $95.9 million |
| Miscellaneous Chemical Products | $72.9 million |
| Organic Chemicals | $70.4 million |
| Animal, Vegetable Or Microbial Fats And Oils Etc | $60.8 million |
| Beverages, Spirits And Vinegar | $54.4 million |
| Nuclear Reactors, Boilers, Machinery Etc.; Parts | $24.8 million |
| Aircraft, Spacecraft, And Parts Thereof | $13.5 million |
| Plastics And Articles Thereof | $9 million |
| Works of Art, Collectors' Pieces and Antiques | $8.5 million |
| Optic, Photo Etc, Medic Or Surgical Instrments Etc | $7 million |
| TOTAL | $417.7 MILLION |
Cultural Ties and Resources
Louisiana’s French agency, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), aims to support and grow Louisiana’s French speaking communities through scholarships, French immersion and various other community and language skill-building programs. Learn more here.
The French-American Chamber of Commerce, based in New Orleans, hosts a variety of business-related and cultural events throughout the year from wine tastings to Bastille Day celebrations. Learn more here.
Louisiana State University offers over 20 international exchange programs at universities in France, including a year-long program at EM Strasbourg Business School. There are many other upper education institutions in Louisiana offer academic programs at universities in France. Learn more here.
Louisiana is proud to have numerous primary and secondary schools that offer full immersion in French.
Festival International de Louisiane, a performing arts festival which began in 1986 in downtown Lafayette, features music, workshops, exhibits, visual art and theater. The non-profit organization is the largest music and arts festival in the United States, dedicating special emphasis on the connection between Acadiana and the Francophone world. You can learn more information here.