France’s trade deficit widens in Q1 ’25

France’s trade balance in the first quarter of 2025 deteriorated, recording a deficit of €20.3 billion, compared to a surplus in previous quarters, data from the General Directorate of Customs and Indirect Taxes showed.

The decline was driven by a sharper 2.1 per cent increase in imports compared to a 0.6 per cent rise in exports, particularly in energy.

The energy trade balance saw the sharpest deterioration, with a €2.2 billion drop, primarily due to a rise in natural hydrocarbon imports.

The manufacturing sector also saw a decrease, with a €1.0 billion worsening, largely due to falling exports in chemicals and cosmetics. The agricultural trade balance also worsened slightly, reaching a deficit of €0.5 billion.

This trend marks a continued decline since 2019, with the trade balance now significantly worse than pre-Covid levels.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: M. S. Salama