France Composite PMI2012-2020 Data | 2021-2022 Forecast | Calendar | Historical

The IHS Markit France Composite PMI decreased to 48.5 in September 2020 from 51.6 in the previous month and missing market expectations of 51.9, a flash estimate showed. The reading pointed to the first contraction in private sector activity in four months, as the country battles a resurgence of coronavirus infections. Output and new orders declined and export sales dropped for the ninth consecutive month albeit at the slowest pace since January. Also, employment fell as some services providers were hesitant to hire additional staff due to fears of a second prolonged lockdown period. On the price front, input cost inflation eased from August’s seven-month high due to higher prices of raw materials while output charges decreased to a four-month low. Larly, sentiment improved lifted by hopes of better demand conditions as the world continues to adapt to the challenges created by the pandemic.

The IHS Markit France Composite PMI was revised lower to 51.6 in August of 2020 from a preliminary of 51.7 and 57.3 in July. Still, it pointed to the third straight month of expansion in private sector activity as the economy recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. Manufacturing stalled (49.8 vs 52.4) and services growth slowed (51.5 from 57.3). In line with the trend for activity, aggregate new order growth also eased in August and remaining new business growth was centred on the domestic market, with international sales continuing to decline markedly. Amid softer inflows of new work, French private sector firms continued to cut staff numbers. Moreover, the rate of workforce contraction accelerated from July and was sharp overall. Finally, firms were still optimistic towards the 12-month outlook for activity, although sentiment sank to a three-month low, with some panellists still hesitant due to uncertainty surrounding the duration of the pandemic.

The IHS Markit France Composite PMI decreased to 51.7 in August of 2020 after hitting a two-and-a-half-year high of 57.3 in July, missing market expectations of 57.2, a preliminary estimate showed. Manufacturing output unexpectedly contracted (PMI at 49 vs 52.4 in July) while services activity growth slowed (PMI at 51.9 vs 57.3 in July). New orders advanced at a softer pace as exports continued to decline for the eighth month in a row. Also, employment shrank for the sixth month running and at a faster pace, amid a renewed fall in backlogs of work. On the price front, both input costs and output charges went up, mainly due to higher prices for hygiene products and air freight. Looking forward, sentiment towards the 12-month business outlook eased from July’s five-month high and was weaker than the historical average, as firms remained cautious on further Covid-19 outbreaks.

The IHS Markit France Composite PMI was revised lower to 57.3 in July of 2020 from a preliminary reading of 57.6 and compared to 51.7 in the previous month. The latest reading pointed to the strongest growth in French private sector activity for nearly two-and-a-half years. Both manufacturers (PMI at 52.4 vs 52.3 in June) and service providers (PMI at 57.3 vs 50.7) recorded sharp rises in output as the economy continued to recover following the COVID-19 lockdown. The increase in total output was supported by the return of new order growth at the start of the third quarter. Despite higher activity levels, private sector firms continued to cut their staff numbers in July. Looking forward, sentiment towards the 12-month business outlook strengthened to a five-month high.