Plus grandes, plus fortes, plus loin... Les performances des firmes exportatrices françaises (Bigger, Stronger, Farther... Relative Performances of French Exporting Firms)

Abstract

This article examines the performances of French exporting firms. Using a highly detailed database, we confirm that exporting firms are much bigger, more productive and more profitable than domestic ones. This difference is particularly strong for firms exporting to non-EU markets, and for small businesses. For large businesses, the discrepancy between exporters and domestic firms is fairly small, and non-significant in some industries and for firms that only export to EU destinations. Our results suggest that export-enhancing public policies should target small businesses and firms attempting to export to remote countries.

Note: Downloadable document is in French.

Keywords: Exporting firms, Productivity, Competitiveness

JEL Classification: F1