Preliminary data shows French GDP growth matched expectations in Q2, driven by household consumption and trade, but momentum remains weak.
France’s economy grew 0.2% in Q2 2026, matching consensus estimates, as domestic demand rebounded modestly. Household consumption rose 0.2% after a 0.3% decline in Q1, while foreign trade contributed positively to growth.
The annual GDP growth rate reached 0.7%, slightly below the 0.8% forecast, following a 0.9% rise in Q1. Domestic demand’s contribution improved to 0.1% from -0.2% in the prior quarter, though inventories dragged growth by 0.6%.
Despite the quarterly improvement, the running 2026 GDP rate stands at 0.5%, down from 0.9% in 2025. Risks for H2 include higher energy prices and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.