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The French translation industry 2011

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After a year marked by recession, great uncertainty surrounds the professional translation and interpreting industry, which got off to a rough start in 2010. Following the publication of the 2010 accounts various different agencies* we can conclude that the decline has turned into a progression, even if the progression is somewhat modest (3.05%), however it’s a step in the right direction.

Falling by 9% in value between 2008 and 2009, the French translation and interpreting industry grew by 3.5% between 2009 and 2010 accumulating a global revenue of 205 million euros, this turnover remains below the 220 million estimated in 2008.

This increase has particularly benefitted large organisations that consolidate their turnover and lead the way up; while middle-sized or small translation agencies have tended to see their revenues shrink. The majority of those within the industry are still suffering from reduction in backlogs. The sentiment is shared amongst freelancers as a general decline in rates has been noted.

It is worth noting also the 200 companies whose turnover exceeds € 200 K compared to 210 in 2009, proof of the instability surrounding the market. Atenao translation agency on the other hand, has enjoyed an increase in revenue by 27.33%, making it one of the five fastest growing agencies around.

The initial figures for 2011 seem to bode well as the few translation agencies that published their accounts have shown an increase in sales compared to last year, which is (possibly) a good enough reason turn that frown upside down…

*Study based on 2009 balance sheets and result tables supplied by 200 French translation and interpreting agencies whose 2009 revenue was equal to or more than 200 000 euros.