At 52.5 in September, down from 53.5 in August, the seasonally adjusted final IHS Markit France Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) signalled a slower improvement in business conditions. The index was unchanged from the earlier 'flash' reading for September and signalled the jointweakest rate of manufacturing growth since February 2017.

Tim Moore, Associate Director at IHS Markit, which compiles the France Manufacturing PMI® survey, said: "September data points to another disappointing month for the French manufacturing sector. Global trade frictions and stretched supply chain capacity were the main headwinds faced by goods producers, which contributed to an unhealthy mix of falling export sales and rising input prices. "Softer demand growth and more subdued business confidence towards the near-term outlook meant that output levels increased at the slowest pace for exactly two years. Survey respondents noted that a soft patch for business conditions in the automotive sector had weighed on growth during September"