França Confiança do Empresário

France’s manufacturing business climate indicator rose to 102 in December 2025 from 98 in November, moving back above its long-term average of 100 and marking the highest level since March 2024. Sentiment improved notably, with past production turning positive (8 vs -10 in November), personal production prospects remaining above average despite easing to 11 from 14, and foreign order books improving to -6 from -16. On the downside, overall order books remained weak at -17, while finished-goods inventories increased further (19 vs 17), pointing to persistent stock pressures. Workforce balances stayed mildly negative, with expected employment steady at -1, and economic uncertainty edged up to 33, the highest level this year. By sector, confidence rebounded strongly in transport equipment and improved modestly in machinery and equipment goods, while it fell sharply in food products and beverages and slipped slightly in other manufacturing, remaining below its long-term average.