Manufacturing production: France lost market share in Europe, but held strong in its specialities

The economic crisis hit the French manufacturing industry hard. While the 2008 shock was minimised in France, the rebound that ensued was also less pronounced than elsewhere in Europe and a further deterioration occurred from 2011. From 2008 to 2013, the weight of the French chemical industry in Europe remained stable, while the automotive industry fell behind in relation to its European competitors. France still played a major role in aviation and the repair of certain cutting-edge equipment items.