FX.co ★ France Manufacturing Confidence Falls to 3-Month Low

In May 2025, France's manufacturing climate indicator decreased to 97 from a revised figure of 100 in April, falling short of market expectations of 99, and moving away from its long-term average. This represents the lowest level observed since February, primarily due to a more significant drop in overall order books, which fell to -24 from -18 in April. Additionally, anticipated workforce size saw a slight decline (-2 compared to -1), and personal production forecasts turned negative, dropping from 12 to -1. On a positive note, manufacturers exhibited marginally reduced pessimism regarding foreign order books, which improved to -16 from -17, and the general production outlook, which rose to -13 from -15. Within different subsectors, business sentiment worsened in food products and beverages and transport equipment, while it saw improvements in machinery and equipment goods.