France trade deficit narrows to EUR5.5 billion in August

France's trade deficit narrowed slightly in August as exports outpaced imports, supported by an improved energy balance, data from the country's customs office showed Tuesday.

The trade deficit narrowed to EUR5.5 billion in August from EUR5.7 billion in July, according to seasonally and calendar-adjusted data.

The figure came in slightly below market expectations cited by FXStreet of a EUR5.2 billion shortfall.

Exports rose by EUR500 million to EUR51.8 billion, while imports increased by a smaller EUR300 million to EUR57.3 billion.

The energy balance improved by EUR300 million, helped by higher energy exports and lower imports. Meanwhile, the non-energy balance deteriorated slightly by EUR100 million.

The manufactured goods balance also weakened by EUR200 million, driven by a deterioration in consumer goods, while the balances for capital and intermediate goods remained stable.