The comprehensive PMI contraction in France in March was the largest since October last year.

The PMI survey shows that the private sector in France experienced the biggest contraction since last October in March, due to weak demand, supply disruptions related to the war with Iran, and cautious attitudes of the public before local elections. The composite PMI for France in March fell to 48.3, while it was 49.9 in February. Joe Hayes, economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: "The data for April may better reflect the true state of the economy, but for now, the recovery of the French economy seems to have temporarily stalled." Service sector activity further weakened, with the service sector PMI falling from 49.6 to 48.3, the lowest level in five months. Manufacturing output also saw a decline for the first time this year, with the related sub-index falling from 51.6 to 48.5, hitting a new low in four months, while the manufacturing leading index rose from 50.1 to 50.2.