France has long been one of Malta’s principal trading partners, a relationship that has led to considerable economic growth especially in the last years.
Recent French trade figures show bilateral exchanges reached approximately €1.56bn in 2025, a substantial increase compared to previous years.
Ten years ago, figures had already shown a 16% increase in exports between 2014 and 2015 which had reached €358.7m, while imports stood at €172.8m.
At the time, the most active sectors included boats, ICT and electronic goods, optical instruments, pharmaceuticals and food and beverage products, industries that would later underpin much of the bilateral relationship’s expansion.
Marc Frasson Botton, who last year took the helm of the Maltese French Chamber of Commerce as its new President, notes that today, what distinguishes the relationship between both countries, is not simply the scale of trade but its increasingly specialised nature.
“Today, France’s exports to Malta are concentrated in high-value industrial sectors, including maritime equipment, aerospace products, electronics and refined petroleum. Malta, meanwhile, continues to be an important supplier of pharmaceuti- cals, industrial equipment and specialised manufactured goods.”
The evolution mirrors Malta’s own economic transition. Once heavily reliant on traditional sectors, Malta steadily repositioned itself as a service-oriented Mediterranean hub.
“The strongest drivers of growth have clearly been maritime industries, aviation and aerospace, electronics, pharmaceuticals and professional services,” Frasson Botton explains.
More recently, newer industries have begun to gather momentum. Digital services, fintech, logistics and technology-based activities are emerging as increasingly important pillars of bilateral cooperation. For small and medium-sized enterprises in particular, these sectors are creating fresh opportunities for partnerships and investment between French and Maltese businesses.
“The success of this relationship,” adds Frasson Botton, “depends heavily on logistics and connectivity. Malta’s geography makes efficient transport infrastructure less a competitive advantage than an economic necessity.”
“As an island economy, Malta depends heavily on reliable maritime and air connectivity to remain competitive. Strong logistics networks are critical not only for large industrial sectors such as maritime, aviation and pharmaceuticals, but also for SMEs, retail distribution and e-commerce.”
In many respects, the two economies complement one another. France contributes industrial scale and manufacturing capacity, while Malta offers flexibility, strategic Mediterranean positioning and access to regional shipping routes. Efficient logistics, Frasson Botton says, provide the bridge between those strengths.
Recent global disruptions have only reinforced the importance of resilience. The pandemic, geopolitical tensions and shipping instability forced companies across Europe to reconsider supply chains that had long prioritised cost efficiency over security.
“Businesses became more open to regional cooperation and shorter European supply chains. For Malta, the disruptions highlighted the need for stronger warehousing capacity, diversified sourcing and dependable maritime links within Europe.”
The rise of digital commerce has accelerated these changes further. Cross-border collaboration between French and Maltese companies is increasingly conducted through online procurement systems, remote services and digital trade platforms.
“Digitalisation has transformed commercial exchanges considerably,” he says.
SMEs in particular, have benefited from lower barriers to entry and easier access to international markets. Yet digitalisation also places greater pressure on logistics performance, customs efficiency and fulfilment capabilities.
“Digital trade and logistics are now closely interconnected.”
Investment flows between the two countries are also deepening. French companies have expanded their presence in Malta across sectors including logistics, aviation, pharmaceuticals, technology and financial services, while Maltese investment activity in France has also increased.
Frasson Botton cites the recent visit to Malta by Pierric Bonnard, director of Business France South Europe, as evidence of growing institutional engagement between the two countries. Meetings with Maltese organisations including chambers of commerce and trade agencies underscored the appetite for broader commercial cooperation.
Looking ahead, Frasson Botton remains optimistic about the trajectory of the relationship as shared European frameworks, complementary economic structures and strengthening business ties continue to position Malta and France well for future growth.
“We believe future growth will increasingly come from innovation-driven sectors, services, sustainable logistics and digital trade,” he says.
“Achieving that growth, however, will require continued investment in connectivity and infrastructure,” pointing out several priorities namely improving maritime and air links, modernising logistics systems, accelerating digital customs procedures and supporting SME internationalisation.
“Today, the Malta’s relationship with France goes beyond trade or statistics. It’s a platform for regional growth, innovation and connectivity in the Mediterranean.”
