Informations Rapides · 23 April 2026 · n° 96

In April 2026, the business climate in manufacturing industry has slightly rebounded and has moved back to its long-term average Monthly business survey (goods-producing industries) - April 2026

In April 2026, the business climate in manufacturing industry has rebounded slightly. At 100, the synthetic indicator has gained one point and has moved back to its long-term average. This increase mainly comes from the rebound of the balances on past production and on global order books.

In April 2026, the balance of opinion associated with the change in past production has rebounded, returning just below its long-term average. The one relating to personal production prospects has decreased for the third consecutive month but remains just above its own. The balance associated with general production prospects in the industry has strongly declined, also for the third consecutive month, and has reached its lowest level since December 2024. The balance on economic uncertainty felt by business leaders has sharply rebounded and stands markedly above its long-term average.

The balance of opinion associated with the level of global order books has rebounded and has gone above its long-term average. The one associated with foreign order books is stable just above its own.

The balance of opinion on the current level of finished goods inventories is stable, above its average.

The balances of opinion relating to the evolution of workforce size, both past and expected, have slightly fallen back. They stands markedly above their respective average.

The balance of opinion associated with the expected trend in selling prices over the next three months has strongly increased. On the rise for the fourth consecutive month, it has reached its highest level since March 2023. This increase concerns almost the entirety of the manufacturing sectors.

The share of companies reporting being limited in their production by workforce shortage is stable, just above its average. The share of those reporting sourcing difficulties as a limiting factor to their production also remains stable, markedly above its own. Overall, the proportion of companies declaring supply-side obstacles only is almost stable: at 29%, it is above its average. The proportion of companies reporting obstacles linked to demand only is stable: at 24%, it is markedly below its long-term average.

In April 2026, the business climate indicator in the manufacturing of food products and beverages has increased again. At 98, it has moved closer to its long-term average (100) and stands at its highest level since July 2025. This rebound mainly comes from the balances of opinion relating to past production and to global order books.

In the manufacturing of machinery and equipment goods, the synthetic indicator of the business climate has slightly increased for the third consecutive month. At 103, it has deviated from its long-term average (100). At the sub-sector level, the indicator has slightly fallen back while remaining markedly above its average in the manufacturing of computer, electronic and optical products. It has also fallen back in the manufacturing of machinery and equipment remaining markedly below its own. However, it has increased again in the manufacturing of electrical equipment and moved back to its average.

In the manufacturing of transport equipment, the business climate indicator is stable: at 102, it remains above its long-term average (100). It is stable in the sector of motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, below its average, while it has slightly decreased in “other transport equipment” remaining above its own.

Finally, the business climate indicator in “other manufacturing” has slightly fallen back, at 98, below its long-term average (100). At the sub-sector level, it has decreased particularly in “chemicals and chemical products” where it has reached its lowest level since December 2024.

The business climate in manufacturing industry of March 2026 has not been revised (after rounding).