Wholesale of intermediate goods, essential for production activities

In 2018, France had a total of 14,900 enterprises specialising in the wholesale of intermediate goods. This sector, which lies at the heart of production branches, is of great economic importance, generating a turnover of €137 billion. The 1,650 enterprises formed of multiple legal units accounted 80% of the sector’s activity. This sector generates high sales margins and its high personnel costs reduce operating margins. It imports a significant proportion of its inputs and sells its goods primarily on the French market.