France’s trade sales volume rose 0.7% MoM in April 2025 (after 0.5% MoM in March), led by wholesale and retail gains. However, trade volume fell -0.5% YoY in the February–April period.

• Wholesale trade (ex-motor vehicles) increased 0.9% MoM, with notable rebounds in food/beverages/tobacco (1.5% MoM) and agricultural raw materials (3.3% MoM); “other machinery & equipment” fell -0.6% MoM.
• Retail trade (ex-motor vehicles) rose 0.6% MoM, supported by both specialised stores (0.6% MoM) and non-specialised stores (0.6% MoM).
• Sales in motor vehicles and motorcycles were flat (0.1% MoM), with motor vehicle sales down -0.3% MoM and motor vehicle parts up 0.6% MoM.
• On a quarterly basis, retail trade was up 0.6%, while motor vehicles trade fell -0.9% and wholesale rose 0.7%.
• Preliminary data shows May retail trade (ex-motor vehicles) declined -0.2% MoM but was up 2.7% YoY over the Mar–May period.