FX.co ★ France Posts Smallest Trade Deficit in 8 Months

France's trade deficit narrowed to €5.5 billion in September 2025 from an adjusted figure of €5.7 billion recorded in August, though it surpassed the anticipated €5.2 billion. This represents the smallest deficit since December 2024. Export values held steady at €51.8 billion, as increases in transport equipment (+4.9%) and agricultural goods (+0.5%) compensated for declines in sectors such as refined petroleum products (-8.8%), art and antiques (-53.1%), and various industrial goods (-1.4%). By region, France saw a rise in exports to Africa (+8.3%), America (+4.9%), and the Middle East (+5.0%), while exports to Asia (-12.6%) and the EU (-1.0%) experienced declines. Conversely, imports decreased by 0.4% to €57.3 billion, influenced by reduced purchases in mechanical, electrical, and computer equipment (-1.1%) and refined petroleum products (-7.6%). This was partially balanced by increased imports of agricultural goods (+3.7%) and other industrial products (+1.3%). Notably, imports surged from Africa (+11.8%) but fell from Asia (-3.5%) and the Middle East (-25.3%), while arrivals from the EU rose by 1.1%.