The final reading signals a slower contraction in factory activity, though still below the 50 expansion threshold.
France’s final manufacturing PMI for May was revised upward to 49.7 from a preliminary 48.9, indicating a softer contraction in factory activity. The index remains below the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction, reflecting ongoing weakness in the sector.
The revision follows April’s final reading of 45.7, which marked a sharper decline. Economists had anticipated a modest improvement, though not enough to push the index into growth territory. The data suggests persistent challenges in manufacturing amid subdued demand.
Markets are monitoring the figures for signs of broader economic resilience, with attention on potential spillover effects into second-quarter GDP estimates.