[Illbay]

Most of these corporate contracts are ambivalent in their affect on France in general. Coporations anymore are not specific to a country, but multinational.

The REAL problem for France is going to be (1) Imports of foodstuffs such as cheese and wine, and (2) TOURISM. Especially the latter.

All it would take is for HALF of all Americans who had planned to travel in France this year to cancel those plans, and France will feel it, far more than if thousands refuse to buy a Peugeot or sleep at a Motel 6.

[modendrite]

You are correct in your analysis of the impact that a "tourist boycott" by Americans would have on the French economy.

Americans, in spite of the standard "ugly American" label, are excellent tourists from the economic standpoint. They tend to stay in upper tier hotels, do not scrimp on meals and are inveterate shoppers.

[Dr.Deth]

far more than if thousands refuse to buy a Peugeot

Uhh, why would anyone other than a strategically shaved ape consider buying that rolling junkbucket in the first place?