French Manufacturing Expands in February as PMI Hits 50.1
French manufacturing expanded in February with a 50.1 PMI, beating forecasts. Solid car and aerospace demand supported growth despite a drop in foreign orders.
The manufacturing sector in France demonstrated resilience in February, with activity levels exceeding initial forecasts despite a slight cooling from the previous month. The HCOB final France Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) reached 50.1, down from the 43-month high of 51.2 recorded in January but still above the 50.0 threshold that separates expansion from contraction. This final reading also surpassed the earlier flash estimate of 49.9.
According to S&P Global Inc., the expansion was primarily supported by solid demand within the automotive and aerospace sectors. While factory output increased and business confidence showed signs of improvement, the report highlighted a decline in foreign orders. This suggests that while domestic industrial activity remains stable, the sector continues to face headwinds in international markets.
