Monthly Business Survey – Start of October 2026 (Banque de France)

Summary

• Approximately 8,500 companies and establishments were questioned between 27 September and 5 October.p.1
• The industrial capacity utilisation rate edged up to 76.8% in September from 76.4% in August.p.2
• Supply difficulties affected 11% of industrial firms and 5% of construction firms in September.p.4
• 13% of industrial firms raised selling prices in September, exceeding the seasonal average of 10%.p.4
• Recruitment difficulties were cited by 18% of surveyed firms overall in September.p.4
• Third-quarter GDP growth for France is estimated at 0.1%.p.5

Key insights

1. Industrial activity continued to increase in September, but growth remained below its long-term average rate.p.1
2. The balance of opinion for industry activity stood at 3 percentage points in September and is expected to reach 4 percentage points in October.p.2
3. Aeronautics and electrical equipment sectors reported particularly strong order books at the end of September.p.3
4. Supply chain pressures remained high in aeronautics, with around 20% of firms reporting supply difficulties.p.4
5. In market services, 11% of businesses increased prices in September compared to a historical seasonal average of 8%.p.4
6. Manufacturing industry value added decreased by 0.7% in the third quarter of 2026.p.5