France’s trade deficit narrowed slightly to -€5.5 billion in August 2025 up from -€5.7 billion in July (revised up from -€7.3 billion), as exports edged down -0.1% MoM to €51.8 billion and imports fell -0.4% MoM to €57.3 billion, supported by stronger transport equipment sales and lower energy imports.

• Exports excluding military and small-scale items were flat (€50.9 billion), while imports declined -0.3% to €58.2 billion, improving the adjusted trade balance by €196 million.

• Transport equipment exports rose +4.9% MoM to €11.4 billion, widening the surplus to €1.4 billion (+€640 million vs July).

• Mechanical, electrical, and computer equipment exports were stable (+0.0%), though imports fell -1.1%, trimming the category’s deficit to -€2.9 billion.

• Refined petroleum exports dropped -8.8% and imports -7.6%, leaving a deficit of -€1.1 billion, little changed on balance.

• Exports of other industrial products fell -1.4% MoM, widening the deficit to -€2.3 billion.

• Trade with the EU posted a deficit of -€2.7 billion (–€0.6 billion vs July) as both exports (-1.0%) and imports (-1.1%) slipped.

• Exports to Africa grew +8.3% MoM while imports rose +11.8%, leaving the deficit broadly steady at -€0.5 billion.

• Trade with the Near and Middle East improved sharply (+5.0% exports, -3.5% imports), narrowing the deficit to -€1.2 billion (+€390 million).

• Exports to Asia declined -12.6%, widening the regional deficit to -€4.9 billion (+€458 million deterioration).