Learning French can open up a world of possibilities, including the ability to discuss specialized topics such as economics and trade. Whether you’re a student studying business, a professional navigating the global market, or just someone interested in economics, knowing the following vocabulary can enhance your French language skills and your understanding of these subjects.

Économie
(noun, feminine) – The science that deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services.

L’économie française s’est améliorée au cours de l’année dernière.

Commerce
(noun, masculine) – The activity of buying and selling, especially on a large scale.

Le commerce international entre les pays est essentiel pour le développement économique.

Marché
(noun, masculine) – A physical or virtual place where goods and services are exchanged; a market.

Nous irons au marché demain pour vendre nos produits.

Inflation
(noun, feminine) – The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and subsequently, purchasing power is falling.

L’inflation a un impact considérable sur le pouvoir d’achat des consommateurs.

Taux de change
(noun, masculine) – The rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another.

Les touristes doivent souvent vérifier le taux de change avant de voyager à l’étranger.

Fiscalité
(noun, feminine) – The system of taxing a country’s citizens and commercial entities.

La fiscalité en France est connue pour être assez complexe.

Importation
(noun, feminine) – The act of bringing goods or services into a country from abroad for sale.

Les importations de vin en Chine ont augmenté ces dernières années.

Exportation
(noun, feminine) – The act of shipping goods or services from one country to another for sale or trade.

L’exportation de technologies avancées est un secteur clé de l’économie américaine.

PIB (Produit Intérieur Brut)
(noun, masculine) – The total value of goods and services produced within a country during a specific period.

Le PIB est souvent utilisé comme indicateur de la santé économique d’un pays.

Balance commerciale
(noun, feminine) – The difference in value between a country’s imports and exports.

Une balance commerciale excédentaire signifie que le pays exporte plus qu’il n’importe.

Investissement
(noun, masculine) – The action or process of investing money for profit or material result.

L’investissement dans des entreprises start-up peut être risqué mais rentable.

Crise financière
(noun, feminine) – A situation in which the value of financial institutions or assets drops significantly.

La crise financière de 2008 a provoqué une grande récession mondiale.

Dettes souveraines
(noun, feminine, plural) – Government debt or national debt owned by the central government.

Les dettes souveraines de certains pays de la zone euro ont atteint des niveaux préoccupants.

Libre-échange
(noun, masculine) – International trade left to its natural course without tariffs, quotas, or other restrictions.

Le libre-échange est souvent considéré comme un moyen d’accroître la richesse des nations.

Monnaie
(noun, feminine) – The currency (coins and banknotes) in circulation within an economy.

Avant l’euro, la monnaie en France était le franc.

Mastering this French vocabulary will not only enhance your language proficiency but will also provide you with a better grasp of global economic and trade issues. Whether conversing with French-speaking colleagues or analyzing international markets, these terms will prove to be invaluable tools in your linguistic and professional toolkit.