France’s trade sales volume fell -0.5% MoM in May 2025 after a +0.6% MoM increase in April, as wholesale and motor vehicle-related trades declined while retail sales held flat.

• Wholesale trade (ex-motor vehicles) declined -0.6% MoM, led by “other specialised wholesale” (‑2.4%) and food/beverages (‑0.7%).
• Sales of motor vehicles and motorcycles dropped -1.2% MoM, with all subcategories posting declines (e.g., motor vehicles ‑1.2%, parts ‑1.2%, motorcycles ‑1.9%).
• Retail trade (ex-motor vehicles) was unchanged MoM, as a decline in non-specialised stores (‑0.4%) was offset by gains in specialised (+0.1%) and non-store retail (+0.4%).
• From Mar–May 2025, retail trade volume rose +0.3% YoY, driven by non-motor vehicle retail (+2.8% YoY), while motor vehicle trade fell -3.3% YoY and wholesale -0.2% YoY.
• Early estimates for June 2025 suggest retail sales (ex-motor vehicles) fell -1.0% MoM, but are still up +2.8% YoY in Q2.