France’s construction sector remained in contraction in September, but the pace of decline eased, according to the latest HCOB France Construction PMI data. The index rose to 39.8 in September 2026 from 37.3 in August 2026 on a month-over-month comparison basis.
While the PMI remains well below the 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction, the improvement suggests that the downturn in activity may be losing some intensity. The September reading, updated on 06 October 2026, indicates a less severe month-over-month deterioration compared with August, when the previous indicator stood at 37.3.
The data highlight that, although the French construction sector is still under pressure, the negative momentum has moderated between August and September 2026, hinting at the first signs of stabilization in what remains a challenging environment for builders and developers.
