Key facts
- France's trade deficit narrowed by €0.8 billion in April.
- The deficit stood at -€5.6 billion in April.
- Exports increased by €1.7 billion, while imports rose by €0.9 billion.
- Transport equipment exports saw a €0.7 billion improvement.
- Mechanical, electronic, and IT equipment exports also increased.
- Energy imports from the Middle East were reduced by half.
France's trade balance improved by €0.8 billion in April, narrowing the deficit to -€5.6 billion. This follows significant declines in the deficit in February and March. The improvement was driven by a €1.7 billion increase in exports, which outpaced a €0.9 billion rise in imports. Key export drivers included transport equipment, particularly aeronautical products, and mechanical, electronic, and IT equipment. Import growth was primarily fueled by natural hydrocarbons. Notably, imports from the Middle East, largely energy products, were reduced by half compared to March, falling to €0.5 billion, the lowest level since December 2020. These imports were compensated by supplies from the US and African countries. Energy product imports overall increased by only €0.2 billion in April, a stark contrast to the €1.8 billion jump seen in March.