2026.04.2307:35:23UTC+00France Manufacturing PMI Rises to Near 4-Year High

France’s S&P Global Manufacturing PMI rose to 52.8 in April 2026 from 50 in March, beating market expectations of 49.5 and reaching its highest level since May 2022, according to flash estimates. Manufacturing output rebounded sharply, hitting a 50-month high, as precautionary stockpiling by clients pushed new orders into expansion territory for the first time in nearly four years. Firms increased inventories of both pre‑production and finished goods, reflecting shifts in procurement strategies in response to the Middle East conflict. The survey suggested that customers brought purchases forward amid worries over rising prices, potential supply shortages, and logistical disruptions. Despite the stronger demand, manufacturers continued to cut staff, leading to a buildup of backlogs. Cost pressures also intensified, with input prices rising at the fastest rate since June 2022, while output price inflation accelerated to a 38‑month high.