France’s manufacturing sector moved back into expansion territory in August, according to the latest HCOB France Manufacturing PMI data. The index rose to 51.5 in August 2026, up from 49.8 in July 2026, signaling a shift from contraction to growth.
The improvement suggests strengthening conditions in French factories, as a PMI reading above 50 typically reflects an expansion in manufacturing activity. The latest figures, updated on 21 August 2026, mark a notable turnaround after the sector had been hovering below the growth threshold in the previous month.
This move above the 50-point mark will be closely watched by investors and policymakers, as it may indicate stabilizing industrial momentum in France heading into the later part of the year.
