In 2008 the international turnover of SEFI companies amounted to €27.9 billion (13.9% more than in 2007). 
The international activities of French construction groups, who traditionally have a very strong presence in foreign markets, represent a significant part of their total turnover with 37% in 2008.

The European continent is their first zone of activities outside France, with 59.3% of their international turnover. Within this area, the share of EU 27 is largely prevailing with 92% of the amount while the other European countries represent 8%. In the European Union, a big part of activity is carried out in the new Member States (32% of the turnover of EU 27) while 68% of the turnover come from EU 15. By including France, 85% of the total turnover of French companies are carried out in Europe in 2008.

Africa becomes the second-biggest market for French companies in 2008. Its share in international turnover reaches 11.7% (€3.27 billion). North America ranks third with 11.7% of their international turnover (€3.25 billion). Compared to these last years, the share of this area decreases slightly.The incidences of the variations of foreign exchange explain this trend. The other markets, with a share lower than 10%, are Middle East (7.5% - €2.04 billion), Asia/Oceania (6.3% - €1.7 billion), South America (2.5% - €699 m) and other countries (1%). 

In recent years, the trend of geographical distribution of the international turnover of French construction groups can be described as follows:
- concentration of their international activities on the European and North American continents: the share of these areas reaches 71% of their international turnover. Among these two markets, Europe represents their principal outlet since they carry out over there 59.3% of their international turnover in 2008. On its side, the share of North America amounts to 11.7% in 2008. For 3 years, the important rise of turnover recorded in other parts of the world (in particular in the Middle East, Africa and Asia) has induced a reduction of the developed countries's share in their international turnover. The variations of foreign exchange rates also could have a certain incidence;
- a revival of interest for the emerging countries: whereas the share of emerging countries was in continuous decline at the beginning of the decade (18.2% in 2005 against more than 40% until 1996), it has raised for three years and reaches 28% in 2008. In Africa, the turnover doubled between 2005 and 2008. In the Middle East, their turnover has almost quintupled during the same period. In Latin America, the progression was less important but the amount of turnover has clearly increased compared to the years 2003-2004 when it had reached a level floor.

The turnover of French contractors increased everywhere in 2008. The growth was particularly sustained in the Middle East (+61.3%), in Africa (+29.6%), Asia (+21.8%) and in the other European countries on the outside of EU 27 (+18,9%). The growth was more moderate in the EU (+7.6%) and North America (+3.05%). In Latin America, it was particularly weak (+1.4%).

The transport infrastructure represents in 2008 the first sector of  business, with 35.1% of their international turnover (€9.8 billion). The building industry occupies the second place with 17.4% (€4.8 billion), followed by civil engineering with 15.6% (€4.3 billion), environment (12.2%), energy (11.4%), services (4.5%) and maritime/offshore (3.8%).

In 2008, French contractors should remain the world leaders in the infrastructure sector.











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