France’s renowned luxury craftsmanship sector has officially surpassed the pharmaceutical industry in revenue, according to a groundbreaking study released this week by the Institut pour les Savoir-Faire Français. This comprehensive survey, which highlights the extraordinary economic impact of artisanal craftsmanship, reveals that French artisans working in fields such as woodworking, leather goods, glassblowing, and more, generate a staggering 68 billion euros in annual revenue, surpassing the 62 billion euros generated by the pharmaceutical sector in 2022.
The Institut pour les Savoir-Faire Français—formerly known as the Institut National des Métiers d’Art—collaborated with market research firm Xerfi Specific to quantify the value of manual craftsmanship. Spanning a vast network of 234,000 companies, this thriving sector includes highly skilled artisans who bring unmatched expertise to their trades, contributing not only to France’s cultural heritage but also to its economic vitality.
“These figures fundamentally change the way we perceive métiers d’art and exceptional know-how,” said Luc Lesénécal, president of the Institut pour les Savoir-Faire Français. “They prove that these crafts are far more than relics of the past. They are vital to our regions, create thousands of skilled jobs, transmit irreplaceable know-how, and help elevate France’s presence on the global stage.”
The study’s findings paint a picture of an industry that is far from antiquated. With 500,000 workers, including 280,000 salaried employees, the craftsmanship sector plays a significant role in the French economy. Among its many contributions are jobs in luxury fashion, heritage restoration, architecture, and interior design, which continue to fuel innovation while preserving France’s rich cultural legacy.
The French government officially recognizes 198 métiers d’art and 83 specialized fields, ranging from the creation of fine jewelry to the restoration of historical monuments. These professions, often passed down through generations, represent the pinnacle of French savoir-faire, an essential part of the nation’s luxury appeal and export market.
Yet, despite its substantial contribution to the economy, the lack of reliable economic data for the sector has previously hindered its full recognition and growth. Lesénécal noted, “The absence of clear, quantifiable data has made it difficult to measure the real impact of these crafts. Without such indicators, it’s challenging to address their challenges or advocate effectively to both public and private stakeholders about the weight they carry in France’s economic and cultural landscape.”
The study was financed by the Fondation Bettencourt Schueller, created in memory of L’Oréal’s founder Eugène Schueller, and supported by several prestigious organizations, including the Comité Colbert, the Ministry of Culture, and the Terre & Fils endowment fund. With these findings now backed by robust economic data, the French craftsmanship sector can look forward to further investment, development, and global recognition as a cornerstone of both France’s luxury goods industry and its cultural identity.
As international demand for luxury craftsmanship continues to grow, particularly from emerging markets, France’s artisans are well-positioned to continue leading the world in creating timeless works of art. From high-end fashion houses to bespoke furniture makers, the legacy of French craftsmanship is securing its place as a vital contributor to the global luxury economy.
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