« One crisis goes in search of another “, Noted Philippe Hourdain, leader of the CCI Hauts-de-France. After Brexit, the Covid-19 health crisis, this is the war between Ukraine and Russia that could have economic consequences for hundreds of companies in the region.
In fact, 169 Hauts-de-France companies have been identified by the Chamber of Commerce’s research department with the support of Team France Export, which is based in Russia. They are only 42 to Ukraine. These first figures were set in the context of some relatively strong Hauts-de-France economic dependencies with Ukraine and Russia. ” Russia is the 11th exporter, and the 13th importing country for the Hauts-de-France region “, Reported Grégory Stanislawski, RCC study director.
Among the top 3 products exported by Northern France to Ukraine, according to French customs figures, we see chemicals, perfumes and cosmetics (81 million euros in 2020) but also plastic rubbers and miscellaneous mineral products (16 million ) and finally industrial miscellaneous. and agricultural machinery (13 million). Conversely, Hauts-de-France imports 96 million euros of agri-food products, 11 million of textiles, clothing, leather and shoes, as well as 10 million of metallurgical and metallic products.
Some strong dependencies
For Russia, the same products are exported but at much larger scales: 328 million euros for chemicals, perfumes and cosmetics; 80 million for miscellaneous rubber, plastic and mineral products; 71 million euros for industrial and agricultural machinery.
Hauts-de-France also imports natural hydrocarbons (for just over a billion euros), petroleum products (509 million euros) and metal and metallurgy products (153 million euros) from these warring countries. Russia clearly accounts for 24% of regional imports of petroleum products, 40% hydrocarbons and 28% coal!
As for the Port of Dunkirk, Nord Céréales only imports products from these war zones ” We export to the same customers as Ukraine and Russia “Said Joël Ratel, director of Nord Céréales. The issue remains open for Arcelor Mittal’s steel production in Dunkirk, the subject of which has not been communicated.
Business Support Task Force
To stay proactive on the issue, the Hauts-de-France CCI is engaged in “ task force », Already implemented during Brexit and Covid-19, mobilized all economic actors including the prefectural services and the regional council.
« We will identify the companies involved through a massive phone call campaign. The research department will set up a dedicated watch, analyzing in particular the indirect effects “, Philippe Hourdain announced. ” Therefore, we will bring the difficulties ahead up to the national level, as far as possible, to better adapt the measures “. Medef Lille has also launched a business support system, in partnership with RCT Grand Lille.
Northern companies concerned
Among the northern groups founded in Russia, we immediately think of mass distribution, starting with Auchan. Present in Russia since 2002, this country is the third largest market of Auchan Retail, with 311 stores under various brands employing 41,000 employees. During the February 23 attack, 80% of the stores remained open. In Ukraine, Auchan has 26 stores and 6,000 employees.
Other brands of the Mulliez group, Leroy Merlin and Decathlon are also present in Russia. Leroy Merlin joined in 2004 and now has 112 stores with a turnover of 5 billion euros in 2020. The DIY brand in Ukraine has only six stores. Decathlon, the world leader in sporting goods, has been based in Russia since 2006, and has almost 60 selling points (compared to 5 selling points and a production site for skis and mountain boots in Ukraine).
La Redoute (Galeries Lafayette group) has also been based in Russia since 2006, simply announcing on its website that delivery times have been extended to around three weeks. Agri-food giant Bonduelle has three production sites in Russia, two for canned food and one for frozen foods, and has a sales office in Kiev, Ukraine.
Local transportation problem
If none of these signs are currently reported, ” on the spot, behavior is a big problem because the men are mostly forced to fight “, Emphasizes Étienne Mourmant, honorary consul of Ukraine and director of the textile company Centraco based in Comines in the North, which has a fabric manufacturing plant in Ukraine.
Faced with the critical situation, the Chamber of Commerce plans to launch a crowdfunding campaign to allow companies to “ express their solidarity through donations “. It plans to identify projects, provide warehouses and use the network of logistics and transportation professionals to secure supplies.
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