The S&P Global France Manufacturing PMI rose to 51.5 in August 2026 from 49.8 in July according to preliminary data and beating market expectations of 50. The reading signaled a return to growth in the country’s manufacturing sector. Production increased for the first time since April’s stockpile-driven boost, potentially pointing to greater stability in the factory sector as inflation across the goods-producing economy continued to ease. Manufacturers also increased hiring at the fastest pace in a year, helping firms clear backlogs more quickly than in July.