Alsace proves its economic and industrial dynamism again in 2024

In 2024, Alsace once again showcased its remarkable resilience and dynamism in a complex economic and industrial landscape. Significant investments, ambitious government initiatives, and strong recruitment demand have driven the region’s continued development and enhanced its attractiveness.

Capital investments and business support

In 2024, 64 companies in the Grand Est region benefited from a capital investment fund, totaling €404 million, a 59% increase from 2023. Alsace captured more than a third of these funds, with 26 companies receiving support, primarily in the consumer goods, health, and IT sectors. France Invest attributes this growth to an increase in investments exceeding €15 million, with 38% of the total invested in the industrial sector.

Industrial development in Alsace

Alsace confirmed its industrial dynamism with the opening or expansion of ten sites in 2024, particularly in the agro-food and health sectors. Among the major investments, Constellium invested €130 million in a new aluminum recycling line, creating 100 jobs. Contrary to the overall decline in industrial employment between 2012 and 2022, Alsace showed a positive trend during the same period.

Government support and ecological initiatives

To support reindustrialization, the state has invested in innovation and ecological transition projects through the France 2030 plan and the green fund. Since 2022, France 2030 has supported 511 projects in the Grand Est, including 149 in Bas-Rhin and 35 in Haut-Rhin. In 2024, the green fund financed 9 major industrial projects, representing €98 million in investments.

Recruitment and labor market tensions

France Travail forecasts 164,735 recruitment projects in the Grand Est for 2025, with strong demand in the services, health, and construction sectors. Recruitment challenges vary by territory, with significant difficulties in the construction and transport sectors. To address these challenges, France Travail Grand Est has intensified its efforts and organized events to promote jobs in high-demand sectors.

Increase in goods traffic on the Rhine

The year 2024 saw a significant increase in traffic on the Rhine, with a 15% rise compared to 2023, totaling over 16 million tons of goods transported. This recovery is attributed to favorable hydrological conditions and increased trade volumes of metallurgical products, fertilizers, chemicals, and construction materials.