France Industry Confidence Stable in September

2026-09-24 07:18 By Judith Sib-at 1 min. read

France’s manufacturing business climate index stood at 101 in September 2026, unchanged from August’s revised figure and July’s reading, but slightly below market forecasts of 102.

Personal production prospects increased (15 vs 12 in August), while general production prospects rose for the fifth consecutive month (-9 vs -10).

However, overall order books deteriorated further (-16 vs -14), while foreign orders remained unchanged for the third month (-12), suggesting weaker demand.

Finished-goods inventories rose sharply (13 vs 6), moving just above their average.

Expected workforce size also declined (-1 vs 2), indicating a cautious approach to hiring.

At the same time, expectations for selling prices over the next three months rose again (14 vs 10), remaining well above their average, with the increase particularly pronounced in the manufacture of food products and beverages.

As for economic uncertainty felt by business leaders, the index was steady at 32, slightly above its average.



News Stream
France Industry Confidence Stable in September
France’s manufacturing business climate index stood at 101 in September 2026, unchanged from August’s revised figure and July’s reading, but slightly below market forecasts of 102. Personal production prospects increased (15 vs 12 in August), while general production prospects rose for the fifth consecutive month (-9 vs -10). However, overall order books deteriorated further (-16 vs -14), while foreign orders remained unchanged for the third month (-12), suggesting weaker demand. Finished-goods inventories rose sharply (13 vs 6), moving just above their average. Expected workforce size also declined (-1 vs 2), indicating a cautious approach to hiring. At the same time, expectations for selling prices over the next three months rose again (14 vs 10), remaining well above their average, with the increase particularly pronounced in the manufacture of food products and beverages. As for economic uncertainty felt by business leaders, the index was steady at 32, slightly above its average.
2026-09-24
France Industry Confidence Strongest in 7 Months
France’s manufacturing business climate index rose to 103 in August 2026, above the expected and July’s 101, remaining above its long-term average. This marked the strongest reading since January, mainly reflecting a sharp rebound in personal production prospects to 9 from -1 in July and an improvement in foreign order books to -8 from -12. Past production eased to 5 from 7 but remained positive, while overall order books held steady at -12. The stronger sentiment was also supported by a further decline in finished-goods inventories to 6 from 11 and easing economic uncertainty, which fell to 28 from 30 for a fourth month. Meanwhile, the general production outlook remained subdued at -11, while expected selling prices edged up to 11 from 9. Employment indicators were mixed, with past staffing slipping to -1 from 0, while expected staffing rebounded to 1 from -3. By sector, transport equipment confidence strengthened, while other manufacturing rose to its highest in four years.
2026-08-21
France Manufacturing Confidence Improves Slightly
France’s manufacturing business climate index edged up to 101 in July 2026 from 100 in June, in line with market expectations and remaining close to its long-term average. Past production rebounded to 7 from 3, while the general production outlook improved for a third straight month to -10 from -15, nearing its historical norm. However, personal production expectations weakened to -1 from 3, the lowest since August 2025. Order books also improved, with the global balance rising to -12 from -14, while foreign orders held steady at -12, both remaining above their long-term averages. Finished goods inventories fell sharply to 10 from 16, dropping below average. Expected selling prices declined markedly to 9 from 20, signaling easing price pressures, while perceived economic uncertainty eased to 30 from 31. Employment indicators were mixed, with past staffing improving to 0 from -1 and expected staffing slipping to -3 from 0.
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