France Records Modest Economic Growth in Second Quarter

The uptick stems primarily from a renewed appetite for household spending paired with a surge in exports, where the aeronautics sector played a decisive role. Despite these gains, the broader outlook remains fragile as France navigates the lingering economic shocks from the war in Iran and the persistent pressure of U.S. tariffs.

These external burdens forced the French government to adjust its fiscal ambitions this past July, lowering the 2026 growth forecast from 0.9% to 0.7%. The figures highlight a persistent vulnerability for the eurozone's second-largest economy, which continues to balance domestic productivity against a volatile international landscape.