18.12.202508:02:08UTC+00France Industry Confidence Highest in Over 1½ Years

In December 2025, the manufacturing business climate index in France climbed to 102, up from 98 in November, surpassing the long-term average of 100 and reaching its highest point since March 2024. Business sentiment experienced significant improvement; past production figures turned positive with an index of 8 compared to November's -10. Although personal production expectations moderated slightly, they continued to remain above average, easing to 11 from 14. Foreign order books showed noticeable improvement, moving from -16 to -6. However, the overall order books remained weak with an index of -17, and finished-goods inventories increased once again, rising to 19 from 17, indicating ongoing stock pressure challenges. Workforce balances were slightly negative, with expected employment holding steady at -1. Economic uncertainty climbed to 33, marking the highest level recorded this year. Sector-wise, confidence saw a robust rebound in the transport equipment industry and modest gains in machinery and equipment goods. By contrast, there was a significant decline in confidence within the food products and beverages sector, and a slight dip in other manufacturing, keeping these areas below their long-term average.