PARIS: France’s trade deficit in June widened from a year earlier, figures from the French Customs showed Friday. The trade deficit rose to EUR 3.44 billion from EUR 2.60 billion in the same month last year. Economists had forecast a EUR 3.9 billion shortfall.
In May, the trade deficit was EUR 2.72 billion.Exports fell 4 percent year-on-year and 1.8 percent from the previous month. Imports declined 3 percent annually, but edged up 0.1 percent on a monthly basis.
After the boost from major contracts for transport equipment and heavy shipments of pharmaceuticals in May, exports slumped in June. However, this was offset by markedly high level of aircraft deliveries and a revival in auto sales and intermediate goods.
Imports were largely stable despite sharp declines in aerospace and shipbuilding equipment and natural hydrocarbons.
