Trade between Libya and France reached €2.7 billion in 2025, marking a 12.8% increase compared with 2024, according to official data released by French customs authorities.
The figures show a sharp rise in French exports to Libya, which climbed to €448 million, posting a 49.8% year-on-year increase. Meanwhile, French imports from Libya amounted to €2.2 billion, up 7.5% compared with the previous year. As a result, France recorded a trade deficit of €1.8 billion with Libya during 2025.
Libya–France Trade Momentum Gains Pace
The sustained growth in trade reflects expanding economic cooperation between Libya and France, particularly following the reopening of the French Embassy in Tripoli. Since then, nine bilateral economic activities have been organized to promote partnerships, investment opportunities, and private-sector engagement.
Strategic cooperation between the two countries currently focuses on transport, water infrastructure, banking services, healthcare, distribution, and construction, in addition to digital transformation, agri-food industries, mining, and pharmaceuticals.
Energy Cooperation and Renewable Projects
In the energy sector, bilateral cooperation includes a flagship investment in the Sadada solar power plant project, developed in partnership with TotalEnergies, the General Electricity Company of Libya, and the Renewable Energy Authority. The project also involves several French firms, including Veolia and Sanofi.
Infrastructure and Reconstruction Agreements
During the Libya–France Reconstruction Forum held in Benghazi, the Director-General of Libya’s Development and Reconstruction Fund, Belqasem Khalifa Haftar, signed multiple memoranda of understanding and implementation contracts with French companies.
These agreements included cooperation with Business France, partnerships with the French technology firm Infranum, and construction contracts for two major bridges in Benghazi—Al-Jalaa Bridge and the Tripoli Road Bridge—implemented by the French company Mater.
Additional contracts were signed for the maintenance of thermal desalination plants in Derna, Tobruk, Sousa, and Abutraba, alongside technical support agreements for power station operations.
Tunisia–France Trade Also Expands
In parallel, trade between France and Tunisia reached €8.9 billion in 2025, recording a 5.4% annual increase. French exports to Tunisia rose to €3.6 billion, while imports totaled €5.3 billion, resulting in a record bilateral trade deficit of €1.8 billion for France.
