France Household Spending Unexpectedly Falls

Household consumption of goods in France unexpectedly fell 0.5% in September 2026, unchanged from the previous month and defying market expectations of a 0.1% rise. It was the second consecutive month of decline, as consumption of manufactured goods fell (-1.1% vs 0.8% in August), with textile goods falling sharply (-5.8%), while durable goods edged down (-0.2%). Additionally, food spending declined further (-0.2% vs -1.1%). However, the decline in spending was partly offset by a rebound in energy spending, which rose 0.2%, recovering slightly from a 2.4% drop in August, as a further decline in electricity consumption was largely offset by a rebound in fuel spending. On an annual basis, household consumption dropped 0.4% in September. For the third quarter as a whole, household spending on goods continued to rise, increasing by 0.4% compared with 0.2% in Q2.

Household consumption of goods in France fell 0.5% in August 2026, defying market expectations of a flat reading and reversing a downwardly revised 0.4% increase in the previous month. It marked the first monthly decline since April, as energy spending dropped 2.3% after rising 0.9% in July, driven by lower fuel consumption amid further price increases. In addition, food consumption fell 0.4% after a 0.2% gain in the previous month. Spending on manufactured goods also edged down 0.3% from a 0.4% gain, weighed mainly by weaker purchases of durable goods (0.3% vs 0.4%) and clothing and textiles (0.3% vs 0.6%). On an annual basis, household consumption rose 0.8% in August.

Household consumption of goods in France unexpectedly increased by 0.5% month-on-month in July 2026, exceeding market estimates of a stall and following an upwardly revised 0.6% rise in the previous month. It was the third consecutive month of growth in household spending, mainly boosted by a rise in engineered goods (0.5% after remaining stable in June). Spending on durable goods accelerated (0.8% vs 0.2%), while spending on other engineered goods eased (0.3% vs 0.4%). Spending on textile and clothing products continued to fall (-0.2% vs -1.2%). Energy consumption rose, though at a slower pace (0.8% vs 1.5% in June), driven by spending on fuel and, to a lesser extent, on electricity. July 2026 was the warmest month ever recorded in France. Food consumption also eased (0.2% vs 0.7%), driven by a recovery in agri-food consumption, especially dairy products and drinks. On an annual basis, household consumption rose 1.4% in July.