French Manufacturing Sector Returns to Growth in September

France’s manufacturing sector has returned to expansion despite the continuing effects of Coronavirus on the economy and has entered the expansion area on PMI.

Data published by IHS Markit said its final purchasing managers’ index rose to 51.2 in September from 49.8 in August. slightly up from a preliminary reading of 50.9 and further above the 50-point line dividing expansions in activity from contractions.

“With the winter months approaching, we may yet see a renewed tightening of restrictions which would severely hinder the progress of many firms in the manufacturing sector,” IHS Markit said

“A second lockdown would likely lead some goods producers to question the sustainability of their business models, with the virus potentially reducing factory capacity for a prolonged period,” he added,” IHS Markit added.