FX.co ★ France Industrial Output Slows Beyond Forecasts

In March 2025, industrial production in France experienced a modest increase of 0.2% from the previous month, falling short of the anticipated 0.3% rise and marking a slowdown from the revised 1% growth observed in February. This deceleration was attributed largely to a subdued expansion in manufacturing activity, which grew by 0.6% compared to 1.3% in February. The slower growth in manufacturing was impacted by reductions in the production of food products and beverages, which declined by 0.3% following a previous drop of 0.4%, and machinery and equipment goods, which decreased by 0.6% after a significant increase of 3.4%. Additionally, the output in sectors such as mining and quarrying, energy, water supply, and waste management saw a reduction of 2%, following a smaller decline of 0.5%. The construction sector also recorded a decline, with output down by 0.9% compared to a 1.5% rise in February. On an annual comparison, industrial activity was 0.4% lower than in March 2024. Overall, for the entire first quarter, industrial production remained unchanged from the previous quarter.