France’s economy showed no growth in the second quarter of 2026, according to final data released by national statistics office INSEE on Friday.
The final reading came in below both the preliminary estimate and market expectations for the euro zone’s second-largest economy.
French GDP Growth Revised Down to 0%
France’s gross domestic product was unchanged in the second quarter, with economic growth recorded at 0.0%.
The figure was weaker than the preliminary estimate of 0.2% growth.
It also missed the average forecast of 0.2% from a Reuters survey of 23 economists.
The revised data suggest that the French economy struggled to build momentum during the second quarter despite improvements in several key areas.
French Exports Rebound Sharply
Exports provided one of the stronger signals in the latest economic data.
French exports increased 2.9% during the quarter after falling 3.0% in the previous three-month period.
According to INSEE, the improvement was largely driven by a strong rebound in aeronautical exports.
The recovery helped offset some of the weakness elsewhere in the French economy.
Household Consumption Returns to Growth
Household consumption also improved during the second quarter.
Consumer spending rose 0.3% after declining 0.3% during the first quarter of 2026.
Household consumption has traditionally been an important driver of economic growth in France.
The latest increase was supported by stronger spending on food, energy and manufactured goods.
Overall, France’s second-quarter economic performance remained subdued. Stronger exports and a recovery in household spending were not enough to generate overall GDP growth, leaving the outlook for the French economy dependent on whether domestic demand and external trade can maintain their recent improvement.
