EconomyFrance Official institution
French economy shrinks slightly in third quarter of 2026
France's gross domestic product, measured in volume, slipped 0.1% in the third quarter of 2026 after flat growth in the previous quarter. Household spending picked up while business investment fell again, and a sharp drop in exports pulled growth down. Stockpiling by companies, meaning goods kept in inventory, added back 0.4 point to growth.
What does it mean?
The economy dipped a little this summer, but people kept spending. Companies bought less equipment and sold fewer goods abroad, which weighed on growth.
Who is affected?
Households, businesses that export or invest in equipment, and workers whose jobs depend on those sectors.