Families count cost of buying French goods

French households would have to spend up to €300 (£256) a month more if they shunned imports for goods made in
their own country, according to a report that highlights the downside of a government “Made in France” drive.

The patriotic campaign reflects president François Hollande’s ambition to reverse a long industrial decline and make a country whose economy relies heavily on domestic consumption more competitive.

The findings by think-tank CEPII show that if France’s
27 million families relied entirely on homeproduced goods, they would need to spend between €100 and €300 more each month.

A quarter of savings made by relying on imports was generated by buying bags and luggage from low-cost countries, such as China, India and Bangladesh.

Flat-screen televisions and other electrical goods were
next, followed by clothing and footwear.