Rooted in History, Growing Through Partnership
France’s influence on Louisiana dates back to the 17th century, with early French settlers leaving a lasting mark on the state’s culture, cuisine, art, and language. That legacy continues today through strong economic ties and investment.
French companies such as Air Liquide have chosen Louisiana for its strategic advantages, helping to strengthen the enduring relationship between France and the state.
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 | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 90% |
| Chemicals | 7% |
| Other | 3% |
| Total Exports to France | $4.1 Billion |
| Imports from France | |
|---|---|
| Chemicals | 33% |
| Agriculture, food & beverages | 22% |
| Energy | 21% |
| Machinery | 7% |
| Metals & minerals | 6% |
| Other | 6% |
| Electronics & electricals | 5% |
| Imports from France | $267 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.
Rexel Expands U.S. Footprint with Acquisition of Teche Electric Supply
In March 2023, France-based Rexel acquired Teche Electric Supply, a Lafayette, Louisiana–based company with a strong distribution network and established presence in the commercial and residential sectors. The acquisition strengthens Rexel’s reach in Louisiana and supports its growth strategy across the Central Gulf region.
This move is part of Rexel’s broader effort to expand its U.S. footprint. Since 2021, the company has invested approximately $1.9 billion in 10 strategic acquisitions, including Buckles-Smith Electric Company in the Western U.S.
Rexel specializes in the distribution of electrical, heating, lighting, and plumbing equipment, as well as renewable energy and energy efficiency solutions. With operations in 19 countries, Rexel employs more than 27,000 people worldwide—including 3,000 in the U.S. North America represents Rexel’s second-largest market, accounting for 42% of global sales, nearly half of which come from B2B supply. Through its branches, Rexel operates over 100 retail locations across the United States.
