International Business Strategies in a Geopolitically Tense Context
Despite a tense geopolitical context, international deployment remains a winning strategy for businesses of all sizes. However, to identify promising markets, understand the issues, and master regulations, guidance is essential. This is explained by CCI Paris Ile-de-France International, a member of Team France Export, which is launching the 2026 edition of its “Road to Export” program.
One year after the thunderous announcement of American customs duties and on the eve of a major energy crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East, the timing may seem inopportune for expanding sales internationally. Unless you look beyond the headlines of current events? “International trade has always had to deal with major geopolitical crises,” emphasizes Pierre Mongrué, Deputy General Manager for International at CCI Paris-Ile-de-France. “After 10 years of successive external shocks, we even see that French exports are not doing so bad. In 2025, not only did exports to the United States continue to grow, total French exports reached a record level; the trade deficit for goods decreased while the surplus in service trade reached 55 billion euros.”
Strategic Support
In the Ile-de-France region, 27 advisors support SMEs, startups, and intermediate-sized companies daily in their international expansion efforts, market conquest, and international business development. With a comprehensive range of services and structured programs, companies are equipped in record time to understand the customs, regulatory, and intercultural specifics of the importing country. “We act as facilitators,” explains Pierre Mongrué. “By enabling the supported companies to understand local issues, identify financing mechanisms, facilitate contacts, and assimilate best practices, we help them save time while securing their strategic choices.” In 2025, 3500 companies in the Ile-de-France region, including 40% of SMEs, benefitted from support from Team France Export. Today, all supported companies account for over half of regional exports.
Road to Export 2026
To go further, CCI Paris Ile-de-France has designed “Road to Export,” a 6-month support program aimed at optimizing sales development in new markets. Open to SMEs and intermediate-sized companies, whether they are first-time exporters or already engaged internationally, the program promises to secure their market entries and accelerate their growth outside France. The program includes diagnostics, market prioritization, workshops on standards, regulations, and taxation, as well as a detailed action plan. Additional video workshops delve into pricing calculations, VAT, administrative procedures, while support is offered to enhance commercial arguments in English. As a partner for the 2026 edition, Essec Business School also offers courses on managerial dimensions and the geopolitics of export. At a time where agility, resilience, and adaptability are essential to increase revenue, the Road to Export program offers a compass to entrepreneurs ready to cross borders. “By the end of 2026, companies participating in the program will have developed a clear strategy, an operational action plan, and will have all the keys to pilot their development confidently,” summarizes Pierre Mongrué. For interested companies, the program starts on June 1, but applications can be submitted online until May 15, 2026.
