France Manufacturing Sentiment Weakens

France’s manufacturing business climate index fell to 100 in June 2026 from 102 in May and below expectations of 101. While the general production outlook improved slightly to -15 from -17, it remained negative. Personal production expectations also weakened to 2 from 4, and expected staffing was flat at 0, signaling muted hiring intentions. There was also a sharp drop in past production to 3 from 14, while order conditions were broadly stable, with global order books unchanged at -14 and foreign order books edging down to -11 from -10, though both remained above long-term averages. Meanwhile, price pressures eased, with expected selling prices declining to 19 from 22, and perceived economic uncertainty falling to 32 from 37. Finished-goods inventories rose slightly to 14 from 13, indicating modest stock rebuilding. Labour market indicators were steady overall, with past staffing unchanged at -2, suggesting broadly stable employment conditions.

France’s manufacturing business climate index rose to 102 in May 2026, compared with expectations and April’s 100. It also marked the highest reading in four months, driven mainly by a sharp rebound in past production, which jumped to 14 from 4, while overall order books improved to -14 from -15 and foreign order books rose to -10 from -12. Finished-goods inventories eased slightly to 13 from 14, though they remained elevated. Labour market signals were broadly stable, with past workforce size unchanged at -3 and expected workforce size edging down slightly to -2. Forward-looking production sentiment remained weak, however, with general production prospects steady at -17 and personal production prospects slipping to 4 from 6. Inflation pressures intensified further, as expected selling prices rose to 22 from 20, the highest in the series, suggesting continued pricing power among manufacturers. Economic uncertainty also remained elevated at 37, unchanged from April.

France’s overall manufacturing business climate index edged up to 100 in April 2026 from 99 in March, slightly improving but still around its long-term average. Past production rebounded to 3 (vs –2 in March), while overall order books improved to –16 (vs –18), and foreign order books were stable at –13. Finished-goods inventories were unchanged at 14, remaining elevated. However, general production prospects deteriorated sharply to –18 (vs –10), marking a notable drop in forward-looking sentiment, while personal production prospects eased to 7 (vs 9). Labour conditions softened slightly, with past workforce size at –2 (vs –1) and expected workforce size slipping to –1 (vs 0). Inflation signals strengthened, as expected selling prices surged to 19 (vs 10), the highest since March 2023, indicating rising cost pressures across sectors. Economic uncertainty also jumped to 38 (vs 31), well above its long-term average, highlighting heightened business caution despite mixed activity signals.