France, Europe's Fourth Largest Producer of Paints, Varnishes and Similar Coatings,
Printing Ink and Mastics
In 2018, France’s total output of paints, varnishes and similar coatings, printing ink and mastics totalled €3.7 billion. Three regions – Hauts-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Île-de-France – account for half of total employment. France accounts for 11% of production within the European Union, ranking fourth within the EU – almost equal with the United Kingdom – behind Germany, Italy and Spain. The manufacture of paints and varnishes dominates the market in both France and Europe. With a particular specialism in solvent-free paints and mastics, France had a small trade surplus in 2018.