In a slight downward shift that echoes persistent challenges within the French manufacturing sector, the HCOB France Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) inched further into contraction territory in October 2024. Having previously settled at 44.6, the PMI further decreased marginally to 44.5, according to updated data released on November 4, 2024.
The PMI, which has consistently been below the critical threshold of 50 that separates growth from contraction, highlights ongoing pressures faced by manufacturers in France. This continued decline reflects the sector's struggle amid broader economic adversities that have affected production levels and orders.
The marginal drop from 44.6 to 44.5 suggests that while the sector's contraction is not accelerating dramatically, the challenges within the industry remain unresolved. The reasons behind the continued downturn in manufacturing are multifaceted, contributing to an uncertain outlook as the year closes. Stakeholders now keenly await future data for signs of stabilization or recovery.
