France Posts Largest Trade Deficit in 15 Months

The French trade deficit widened to EUR 6.0 billion in May of 2018 from an upwardly revised 5.2 billion in April and way above market consensus of a EUR 5.1 billion shortfall. It was the largest trade gap since February 2017, as shipments fell faster than purchases.
Ministère de l'Économie et des Finances | Chusnul Ch Manan | chusnul@tradingeconomics.com
7/6/2018 11:07:40 AM
Exports declined 2 percent month-over-month to EUR 40.5 billion in May 2018, reversing a 2.9 percent increase in April. Sales dropped mostly for aerospace products (-19.1 percent);works of art, technical documentation, publishing products (-13.7 percent); automotive products (-4.8 percent), and computer products, electronic and optical (-3.3 percent). Other decreases were also seen in industrial and agricultural machinery (-1.2 percent); wood, paper, cardboard (-1.1 percent); agricultural products (-0.7 percent), and electrical and household equipment (-0.2 percent).

Among major trading partners, shipments fell mostly to Germany (-0.4 percent); Italy (-0.1 percent) and the US (-1.0 percent) while increased to Spain (0.9 percent) and Belgium (0.2 percent).

Imports edged down 0.1 percent to EUR 46.5 billion, following a 2.8 percent growth in the previous month, dragged by slower purchases of aerospace products (-6.9 percent), mainly from the UK. Other significant losses were also recorded in ships, trains, and motorcycles (-2.5 percent); pharmaceutical products (-2.3 percent); natural hydrocarbons (-2.1 percent), and perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning products (-1.2 percent).

Among major trading partners, purchases declined primarily from Germany (-3.4 percent) and Italy (-0.6 percent) while they advanced from China (4.5 percent); Belgium (7.9 percent) and Spain (1.9 percent).

France Posts Largest Trade Deficit in 15 Months



News

France Trade Gap Broadens in December
France’s trade deficit widened to €4.8 billion in December 2025 from a revised €4.0 billion in November. Imports rose 3.0% month-on-month to €57.9 billion, led by transport equipment (+10.3%), mechanical and electronic equipment (+2.1%), and refined petroleum products (+8.0%). By region, imports increased from the Middle East (+24.6%), Asia (+8.6%), the Americas (+5.6%), and the EU (+0.3%), but fell from Africa (-4.1%). Meanwhile, exports grew 1.8% to €53.1 billion, supported by mechanical and electronic equipment (+6.3%), agri-food products (+2.4%), and natural hydrocarbons (+11.1%), partially offset by declines in refined petroleum products (-10.2%), transport equipment (-2.2%), and agricultural products (-2.5%). Regionally, exports rose to the Middle East (+27.1%) and Asia (+12.1%), but fell to the Americas (-3.8%), Africa (-3.3%), and the EU (-0.4%). For the full year, the trade gap narrowed slightly to €69.6 billion from €79.0 billion in 2024.
Published on 2026-02-06

France Trade Gap Broadens in December
France’s trade deficit widened to €4.8 billion in December 2025 from a revised €4.0 billion in November. Imports rose 3.0% month-on-month to €57.9 billion, led by transport equipment (+10.3%), mechanical and electronic equipment (+2.1%), and refined petroleum products (+8.0%). By region, imports increased from the Middle East (+24.6%), Asia (+8.6%), the Americas (+5.6%), and the EU (+0.3%), but fell from Africa (-4.1%). Meanwhile, exports grew 1.8% to €53.1 billion, supported by mechanical and electronic equipment (+6.3%), agri-food products (+2.4%), and natural hydrocarbons (+11.1%), partially offset by declines in refined petroleum products (-10.2%), transport equipment (-2.2%), and agricultural products (-2.5%). Regionally, exports rose to the Middle East (+27.1%) and Asia (+12.1%), but fell to the Americas (-3.8%), Africa (-3.3%), and the EU (-0.4%). For the full year, the trade gap narrowed slightly to €69.6 billion from €79.0 billion in 2024.
Published on 2026-02-06

France Trade Deficit Widens in November
France’s trade deficit widened to €4.2 billion in November 2025 from a revised €3.5 billion in November, in line with expectations. Imports rose 2% month-on-month to €56.4 billion, led by agricultural products (+10.0%), mechanical equipment (+2.7%), and other industrial products (+1.8%). By region, imports increased from Africa (+32.5%), the Middle East (+14.4%), and Asia (+2.6%), but fell from the Americas (-0.7%) and the EU (-0.2%). Meanwhile, exports grew more moderately by 0.8% to €52.2 billion, supported by stronger sales of agricultural products (+2.3%), mechanical and electronic equipment (+1.3%), and transport equipment (+0.3%). These were partially offset by declines in shipments of refined petroleum products (-12.3%), agri-food products (-0.3%), and publishing and communication products (-2.7%). Regionally, exports rose to the EU (+2.9%), Africa (+3.6%), and the Americas (+12.0%), but fell to the Middle East (-28.6%) and Asia (-3.0%).
Published on 2026-01-08

France Trade Deficit Widens in December
France’s trade deficit widened to €4.2 billion in December 2025 from a revised €3.5 billion in November, in line with expectations. Imports rose 2% month-on-month to €56.4 billion, led by agricultural products (+10.0%), mechanical equipment (+2.7%), and other industrial products (+1.8%). By region, imports increased from Africa (+32.5%), the Middle East (+14.4%), and Asia (+2.6%), but fell from the Americas (-0.7%) and the EU (-0.2%). Meanwhile, exports grew more moderately by 0.8% to €52.2 billion, supported by stronger sales of agricultural products (+2.3%), mechanical and electronic equipment (+1.3%), and transport equipment (+0.3%). These were partially offset by declines in shipments of refined petroleum products (-12.3%), agri-food products (-0.3%), and publishing and communication products (-2.7%). Regionally, exports rose to the EU (+2.9%), Africa (+3.6%), and the Americas (+12.0%), but fell to the Middle East (-28.6%) and Asia (-3.0%).
Published on 2026-01-08

France Trade Gap Smallest in 10 Months
France’s trade deficit narrowed sharply to €3.9 billion in October 2025 from €6.4 billion in September, well below expectations of €6.8 billion and marking the smallest gap since December 2024. Exports slipped 0.5% month-on-month to €51.7 billion, weighed down by lower sales of agricultural and aquaculture products (-3.0%), mechanical and electronic equipment (-3.8%), and other industrial goods (-1.8%). By region, exports fell to the EU (-4.9%), the Americas (-6.4%), and Africa (-1.8%), while shipments surged to the Middle East (+65.5%) and Asia (+6.2%). Meanwhile, imports declined at a faster 4.6% to a four-year low of €55.6 billion, with broad-based drops across most categories, including natural hydrocarbons (-23.8%), agricultural products (-7.5%), transport equipment (-3.8%), and refined petroleum (-3.1%). Regionally, imports decreased across all major partners, the EU (-3.6%), Africa (-2.1%), the Americas (-10.1%), Asia (-4.5%), and the Middle East (-14.5%).
Published on 2025-12-05

France Trade Gap Smallest in 10 Months
France’s trade deficit narrowed sharply to €3.9 billion in October 2025 from €6.4 billion in September, well below expectations of €6.8 billion and marking the smallest gap since December 2024. Exports slipped 0.5% month-on-month to €51.7 billion, weighed down by lower sales of agricultural and aquaculture products (-3.0%), mechanical and electronic equipment (-3.8%), and other industrial goods (-1.8%). By region, exports fell to the EU (-4.9%), the Americas (-6.4%), and Africa (-1.8%), while shipments surged to the Middle East (+65.5%) and Asia (+6.2%). Meanwhile, imports declined at a faster 4.6% to €55.6 billion, with broad-based drops across most categories, including natural hydrocarbons (-23.8%), agricultural products (-7.5%), transport equipment (-3.8%), and refined petroleum (-3.1%). Regionally, imports decreased across all major partners, the EU (-3.6%), Africa (-2.1%), the Americas (-10.1%), Asia (-4.5%), and the Middle East (-14.5%).
Published on 2025-12-05

France Trade Gap Widens Beyond Expectations
France's trade deficit widened to €6.6 billion in September 2025, the largest in three months, from €5.2 billion in August and above forecasts of €5.9 billion. Exports grew only 0.1% from a month earlier to €51.9 billion, as gains in refined petroleum products (+19.0%), mechanical equipment (+6.1%), and agricultural products (+1.6%) were almost entirely offset by declines in transport equipment (-8.6%) and natural hydrocarbons (-20.9%). By region, exports increased to the EU (+4.1%) and Asia (+0.9%), while shipments to the Middle East (-22.5%) and the Americas (-1.2%) fell, the latter affected by US tariffs. Meanwhile, imports advanced 2.5% to €58.5 billion, driven by natural hydrocarbons (+14.5%), mechanical equipment (+3.8%), and refined petroleum (+3.2%), while purchases of agricultural products (-2.6%) and transport equipment (-2.7%) declined. Regionally, imports expanded from Asia (+5.5%) and the Americas (+3.9%) but fell from Africa (-14.1%) and the Middle East (-0.1%).
Published on 2025-11-07

France Trade Gap Widens Beyond Expectations
France's trade deficit widened to €6.6 billion in September 2025, the largest in three months, from €5.2 billion in August and above forecasts of €5.9 billion. Exports grew only 0.1% from a month earlier to €51.9 billion, as gains in refined petroleum products (+19.0%), mechanical equipment (+6.1%), and agricultural products (+1.6%) were almost entirely offset by declines in transport equipment (-8.6%) and natural hydrocarbons (-20.9%). By region, exports increased to the EU (+4.1%) and Asia (+0.9%), while shipments to the Middle East (-22.5%) and the Americas (-1.2%) fell, the latter affected by US tariffs. Meanwhile, imports advanced 2.5% to €58.5 billion, driven by natural hydrocarbons (+14.5%), mechanical equipment (+3.8%), and refined petroleum (+3.2%), while purchases of agricultural products (-2.6%) and transport equipment (-2.7%) declined. Regionally, imports expanded from Asia (+5.5%) and the Americas (+3.9%) but fell from Africa (-14.1%) and the Middle East (-0.1%).
Published on 2025-11-07

France Trade Deficit Lowest in 8 Months
France’s trade deficit narrowed to €5.5 billion in August 2025 from a revised €5.7 billion in July, but above expectations of a €5.2 billion gap. This marks the smallest figure since December 2024. Exports were stable at €51.8 billion, as gains in transport equipment (+4.9%) and agricultural products (+0.5%) were offset by declines in refined petroleum products (-8.8%), art and antiques (-53.1%), and other industrial products (-1.4%). By region, exports rose to Africa (+8.3%), America (+4.9%), and the Middle East (+5.0%), while shipments to Asia (-12.6%) and the EU (-1.0%) declined. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.4% to €57.3 billion, driven by lower purchases of mechanical, electrical, and computer equipment (-1.1%) and refined petroleum products (-7.6%), partially offset by higher shipments of agricultural products (+3.7%) and other industrial products (+1.3%). Imports climbed from Africa (+11.8%) but fell from Asia (-3.5%) and the Middle East (-25.3%), with EU arrivals up 1.1%.
Published on 2025-10-07

France Posts Smallest Trade Deficit in 8 Months
France’s trade deficit narrowed to €5.5 billion in September 2025 from a revised €5.7 billion in August, but above expectations of a €5.2 billion gap. This marks the smallest figure since December 2024. Exports were stable at €51.8 billion, as gains in transport equipment (+4.9%) and agricultural products (+0.5%) were offset by declines in refined petroleum products (-8.8%), art and antiques (-53.1%), and other industrial products (-1.4%). By region, exports rose to Africa (+8.3%), America (+4.9%), and the Middle East (+5.0%), while shipments to Asia (-12.6%) and the EU (-1.0%) declined. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.4% to €57.3 billion, driven by lower purchases of mechanical, electrical, and computer equipment (-1.1%) and refined petroleum products (-7.6%), partially offset by higher shipments of agricultural products (+3.7%) and other industrial products (+1.3%). Imports climbed from Africa (+11.8%) but fell from Asia (-3.5%) and the Middle East (-25.3%), with EU arrivals up 1.1%.
Published on 2025-10-07

France Posts Smallest Trade Deficit in 8 Months
France’s trade deficit narrowed to €5.5 billion in August 2025 from a revised €5.7 billion in July, but above expectations of a €5.2 billion gap. This marks the smallest figure since December 2024. Exports were stable at €51.8 billion, as gains in transport equipment (+4.9%) and agricultural products (+0.5%) were offset by declines in refined petroleum products (-8.8%), art and antiques (-53.1%), and other industrial products (-1.4%). By region, exports rose to Africa (+8.3%), America (+4.9%), and the Middle East (+5.0%), while shipments to Asia (-12.6%) and the EU (-1.0%) declined. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.4% to €57.3 billion, driven by lower purchases of mechanical, electrical, and computer equipment (-1.1%) and refined petroleum products (-7.6%), partially offset by higher shipments of agricultural products (+3.7%) and other industrial products (+1.3%). Imports climbed from Africa (+11.8%) but fell from Asia (-3.5%) and the Middle East (-25.3%), with EU arrivals up 1.1%.
Published on 2025-10-07

France Trade Gap Smallest in 7 Months
France’s trade deficit narrowed to €5.6 billion in August 2025 from a revised €7.2 billion in July, below expectations of a €6.1 billion deficit. This marks the smallest gap since December 2024, as exports rose 2.6% month-over-month to €52.1 billion, driven by higher sales of refined petroleum products and coke (+17.2%), transport equipment (+9.4%), natural hydrocarbons (+22.3%), and publishing and communication products (+9.8%). By region, exports increased to Africa (+6.0%), the Middle East (+11.5%), and Asia (+18.8%), while shipments to the EU edged higher (+0.8%). In contrast, exports to America fell (-7.7%), partly reflecting the 15% US tariffs on EU goods. Meanwhile, imports slipped 0.5% to €57.7 billion, weighed down by lower purchases of agri-food products (-1.1%), mechanical and electronic equipment (-3.6%), and art and antiques (-35.9%). Regionally, imports declined from Africa (-12.8%), America (-3.7%), and Asia (-1.3%), though arrivals from the Middle East surged (+66.3%).
Published on 2025-09-05

France Trade Gap Smallest in 7 Months
France’s trade deficit narrowed to €5.6 billion in August 2025 from a revised €7.2 billion in July, below expectations of a €6.1 billion deficit. This marks the smallest gap since December 2024, as exports rose 2.6% month-over-month to €52.1 billion, driven by higher sales of refined petroleum products and coke (+17.2%), transport equipment (+9.4%), natural hydrocarbons (+22.3%), and publishing and communication products (+9.8%). By region, exports increased to Africa (+6.0%), the Middle East (+11.5%), and Asia (+18.8%), while shipments to the EU edged higher (+0.8%). In contrast, exports to America fell (-7.7%), partly reflecting the 15% US tariffs on EU goods. Meanwhile, imports slipped 0.5% to €57.7 billion, weighed down by lower purchases of agri-food products (-1.1%), mechanical and electronic equipment (-3.6%), and art and antiques (-35.9%). Regionally, imports declined from Africa (-12.8%), America (-3.7%), and Asia (-1.3%), though arrivals from the Middle East surged (+66.3%).
Published on 2025-09-05

France Trade Deficit Steady in June
France’s trade deficit stood at €7.6 billion in June 2025, unchanged from May’s eight-month high and slightly above market expectations of €7.5 billion. Exports rose by 3.4% month-over-month to €50.6 billion, driven by higher sales of refined petroleum products and coke (+10.3%), transport equipment (+7.9%), and natural hydrocarbons (+5.7%). By region, exports increased to the EU (+3.5%), Middle East (+2.8%), and Asia (+8.3%). Shipments to the Americas also rose 6.3%, ahead of upcoming US tariffs on EU goods. Meanwhile, imports grew by 2.9% to €58.3 billion, mainly due to higher purchases of natural hydrocarbons (+5.3%), mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computer equipment (+3.7%), and other industrial products (+3.5%). Regionally, imports rose from the EU (+2.9%), Americas (+5.9%), and Asia (+0.6%). Notably, arrivals plummeted from the Middle East (-26.7%), and to a lesser extent, from Africa (-6.1%).
Published on 2025-08-07

France Trade Deficit Steady in June
France’s trade deficit stood at €7.6 billion in June 2025, unchanged from May’s eight-month high and slightly above market expectations of €7.5 billion. Exports rose by 3.4% month-over-month to €50.6 billion, driven by higher sales of refined petroleum products and coke (+10.3%), transport equipment (+7.9%), and natural hydrocarbons (+5.7%). By region, exports increased to the EU (+3.5%), Middle East (+2.8%), and Asia (+8.3%). Shipments to the Americas also rose 6.3%, ahead of upcoming US tariffs on EU goods. Meanwhile, imports grew by 2.9% to €58.3 billion, mainly due to higher purchases of natural hydrocarbons (+5.3%), mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computer equipment (+3.7%), and other industrial products (+3.5%). Regionally, imports rose from the EU (+2.9%), Americas (+5.9%), and Asia (+0.6%). Notably, arrivals plummeted from the Middle East (-26.7%), and to a lesser extent, from Africa (-6.1%).
Published on 2025-08-07

France Trade Deficit Steady in June
France’s trade deficit stood at €7.6 billion in June 2025, unchanged from May’s eight-month high and slightly above market expectations of €7.5 billion. Exports rose by 3.4% month-over-month to €50.6 billion, driven by higher sales of refined petroleum products and coke (+10.3%), transport equipment (+7.9%), and natural hydrocarbons (+5.7%). By region, exports increased to the EU (+3.5%), Middle East (+2.8%), and Asia (+8.3%). Shipments to the Americas also rose 6.3%, ahead of upcoming US tariffs on EU goods. Meanwhile, imports grew by 2.9% to €58.3 billion, mainly due to higher purchases of natural hydrocarbons (+5.3%), mechanical, electrical, electronic, and computer equipment (+3.7%), and other industrial products (+3.5%). Regionally, imports rose from the EU (+2.9%), Americas (+5.9%), and Asia (+0.6%). Notably, arrivals plummeted from the Middle East (-26.7%), and to a lesser extent, from Africa (-6.1%).
Published on 2025-08-07

France Trade Deficit Largest in 8 Months
France’s trade deficit widened slightly to €7.8 billion in May 2025, compared to market expectations and a downwardly revised €7.7 billion in April. This marks the largest trade gap since last September, as exports dropped by 0.3% month-over-month to €48.9 billion, attributed to weaker sales of natural hydrocarbons (-6.8%), publishing and communication products (-2.8%), and other industrial goods (-2.1%). Exports declined across most regions, including Asia (-14.1%), America (-6.4%), the Middle East (-2.5%), and Africa (-0.8%), while shipments to the EU rose by 4.8%. Meanwhile, imports fell at a slightly slower pace of 0.2% to €56.7 billion, mainly due to reduced purchases of natural hydrocarbons (-3.3%), publishing and communication products (-3.1%), and other industrial products (-1.1%). By region, imports fell from the Americas (-5.4%), the Middle East (-2%), and Asia (-0.1%), but rose from Africa (+8.6%) and the EU (+1.3%).
Published on 2025-07-08

France Trade Deficit Largest in 8 Months
France’s trade deficit widened slightly to €7.8 billion in May 2025, compared to market expectations and a downwardly revised €7.7 billion in April. This marks the largest trade gap since last September, as exports dropped by 0.3% month-over-month to €48.9 billion, attributed to weaker sales of natural hydrocarbons (-6.8%), publishing and communication products (-2.8%), and other industrial goods (-2.1%). Exports declined across most regions, including Asia (-14.1%), America (-6.4%), the Middle East (-2.5%), and Africa (-0.8%), while shipments to the EU rose by 4.8%. Meanwhile, imports fell at a slightly slower pace of 0.2% to €56.7 billion, mainly due to reduced purchases of natural hydrocarbons (-3.3%), publishing and communication products (-3.1%), and other industrial products (-1.1%). By region, imports fell from the Americas (-5.4%), the Middle East (-2%), and Asia (-0.1%), but rose from Africa (+8.6%) and the EU (+1.3%).
Published on 2025-07-08

France Trade Deficit Largest in 7 Months
France’s trade deficit widened to €8 billion in April 2025 from an upwardly revised €6.3 billion in March, exceeding market expectations of a €6 billion gap. This marks the largest trade shortfall since last September, as exports dropped 5.9% month-over-month to €49.3 billion, weighed down by a sharp decline in sales of refined petroleum products and coke (-17.6%), as well as transport equipment (-17.4%). Exports fell across most regions, including the EU (-3.2%), Africa (-1.9%), the Americas (-5.3%), and Asia (-5.4%), while exports to the Middle East increased (+4%). Meanwhile, imports declined at a slower pace of 2.4% to €57.2 billion, due largely to reduced purchases of natural hydrocarbons (-20.8%) and refined petroleum products and coke (-11.3%). Regionally, imports fell from the EU (-0.6%), Africa (-10.8%), the Middle East (-1.3%), and Asia (-4.1%), while imports from the Americas rose (+1.9%).
Published on 2025-06-06

France Trade Gap Narrows More Than Expected
France's trade deficit narrowed to €6.2 billion in March 2025 from €7.7 billion in February and compared to market expectations of €6.9 billion. This marks the smallest trade gap in three periods, as exports rose by 5.6% month-on-month to €52.6 billion, driven by strong sales of transport equipment (+25.3%), plans and technical drawings (+50%), and art, antiques, and collectibles (+23.2%). Export growth was seen across all major regions, particularly Asia (+6.9%), Middle East (+5.9%), EU (+1.7%), and Africa (+1%). Notably, export growth softened to only 2.8% to the US, compared to an 8% gain in February, influenced by the imposition of US tariffs. Meanwhile, imports grew by a softer 2.3% to €58.8 billion, with arrivals rising for plans and technical drawings (+25%), natural hydrocarbons (+7.1%), and agri-food products (+4.3%). Regionally, imports rose from Africa (+31.5%), Asia (+5.4%), and the Middle East (+4.9%), while falling from the EU (-0.2%) and America (-1.2%).
Published on 2025-05-07