France trade deficit widens to 6.7 billion euros in July

France's trade deficit widened to 6.7 billion euros in July, according to customs data. This represents a monthly increase of 900 million euros, driven primarily by a rise in imports.

Imports reached 61.3 billion euros, an increase of 1.1 billion euros. This growth was largely attributed to higher supplies of transport equipment, which rose by 0.7 billion euros. Specifically, imports of automotive industry products and, to a lesser extent, aerospace and space industry products, significantly impacted the balance.

Exports saw a moderate increase of 200 million euros, reaching 54.7 billion euros. This growth was supported by a 300 million euro rise in electricity product deliveries, influenced by higher wholesale market prices during a period of heatwaves and drought that limited nuclear production and increased demand for air conditioning.

The automotive industry's trade deficit specifically grew by 400 million euros in a single month, accounting for the majority of the total 700 million euro increase in the broader trade deficit reported in July.