France Posts Smallest Trade Deficit in 8 Months

France’s trade deficit narrowed to €5.5 billion in September 2025 from a revised €5.7 billion in August, but above expectations of a €5.2 billion gap. This marks the smallest figure since December 2024. Exports were stable at €51.8 billion, as gains in transport equipment (+4.9%) and agricultural products (+0.5%) were offset by declines in refined petroleum products (-8.8%), art and antiques (-53.1%), and other industrial products (-1.4%). By region, exports rose to Africa (+8.3%), America (+4.9%), and the Middle East (+5.0%), while shipments to Asia (-12.6%) and the EU (-1.0%) declined. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.4% to €57.3 billion, driven by lower purchases of mechanical, electrical, and computer equipment (-1.1%) and refined petroleum products (-7.6%), partially offset by higher shipments of agricultural products (+3.7%) and other industrial products (+1.3%). Imports climbed from Africa (+11.8%) but fell from Asia (-3.5%) and the Middle East (-25.3%), with EU arrivals up 1.1%.