France’s trade sales volume fell -1.3% MoM in July 2025 (after +0.6% in June), though volumes for May–July were +0.9% higher YoY.

• Wholesale trade (ex-motor vehicles) declined -2.0% MoM (prev +0.9%), led by “other specialised wholesale” (-3.7%), wholesale on a fee/contract basis (-3.3%), and food/beverages/tobacco (-2.7%).

• Retail trade (ex-motor vehicles) dropped -0.9% MoM (prev flat), with declines in non-specialised stores (-1.5%), non-store retail (-1.6%), and specialised stores (-0.4%); within specialised, food (-1.8%) and automotive fuel (-2.2%) drove the weakness.

• Motor vehicle & motorcycle trade rose slightly +0.2% MoM (prev +0.6%), supported by motor vehicle sales (+0.2%).

• Over May–July, retail trade (ex-motor vehicles) was +2.9% YoY, while wholesale trade rose +0.4% YoY; motor vehicle trade declined -1.4% YoY.

• Within retail, non-specialised (+1.9% YoY), specialised (+3.3% YoY), and non-store (+4.2% YoY) segments all expanded.

• Early estimates suggest retail trade (ex-motor vehicles) rose +0.5% MoM in August, with June–August cumulative sales +1.8% YoY.