PARIS: France’s trade deficit widened unexpectedly in October, as exports declined though imports remained firm, data from the French Customs showed Tuesday.
The trade deficit rose to EUR 5.20 billion from EUR 4.79 billion in September and EUR 4.48 billion a year ago. Economists had forecast a shortfall of EUR 4.35 billion.
Exports from the aeronautical industry were unfavorable. Shipments fell 0.8 percent monthly in October after a 2 percent slump in September. Imports grew 0.3 percent, partly reversing a 0.6 percent decline in September.
On a year-on-year basis, exports dropped 0.4 percent and imports grew 2.3 percent.
