France’s manufacturing business climate index stood at 101 in September 2026, unchanged from August’s revised figure and July’s reading but was slightly below market forecasts of 102. Personal production prospects improved to 15 from 12 in August, while general production prospects improved for the fifth consecutive month, to -9 from -10. Finished-goods inventories rose sharply to 13 from 6, moving just above their long-term average. Meanwhile, overall order books deteriorated further, to -16 from -14, while foreign orders remained stable for the third consecutive month at -12. Expected workforce size also declined, to -1 from 2. Meanwhile, expectations for selling prices over the next three months rose again, to 14 from 10, remaining well above their average, with the increase particularly pronounced in the manufacture of food products and beverages.