France: France's trade deficit expanded to pound 4.2 billion in December 2025, compared to a revised pound 3.5 billion in November. The increase aligns with market expectations, as reported by the French Customs Office.
According to Emirates News Agency, the month of December saw a 2% rise in imports, reaching pound 56.4 billion. This growth was primarily driven by increased purchases of agricultural products, which saw a 10.0% rise. Additionally, there were notable increases in imports of mechanical equipment and other industrial goods, which grew by 2.7% and 1.8%, respectively.
The origin of imports shifted significantly, with imports from Africa surging by 32.5%, from the Middle East by 14.4%, and from Asia by 2.6%. In contrast, imports from the Americas and the European Union declined slightly by 0.7% and 0.2%, respectively.
Exports from France rose by 0.8%, amounting to pound 52.2 billion. This increase was supported by stronger sales in agricultural products, mechanical and electronic equipment, and transport equipment, which increased by 2.3%, 1.3%, and 0.3%, respectively.
However, these gains were partially offset by a decrease in shipments of refined petroleum products, which fell by 12.3%. Additionally, there were declines in agri-food products and publishing and communication goods, which decreased by 0.3% and 2.7%, respectively.
Regionally, exports increased to the European Union by 2.9%, to Africa by 3.6%, and to the Americas by 12.0%. Conversely, there were declines in exports to the Middle East and Asia, which fell by 28.6% and 3.0%, respectively.
