France’s goods-trade deficit widened to €7.3 billion in September as imports rose more than exports, the widest in four months, France’s customs authority reported.
The gap grew €1.3 billion from August. May’s deficit was larger, at €7.7 billion. Imports reached €62.7 billion after a €2.4 billion increase, while exports totaled €55.3 billion, up €1 billion.
Energy import values rose €0.9 billion. Refined petroleum products accounted for €0.6 billion of that increase and natural hydrocarbons for €0.3 billion; higher prices were the main reason energy supply values climbed.
Transport equipment exports added €0.6 billion, including a €0.4 billion gain in aerospace and space products. Aircraft shipments to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait largely explain a €0.6 billion increase in exports to the Near and Middle East.
France’s trade balance improved by €0.6 billion with the Near and Middle East and €0.4 billion with Africa. Its deficit deepened by €0.7 billion with Asia and €0.5 billion with the Americas.
