Growth in France's manufacturing sector accelerated at the end of last year, as output and new orders grew at a faster pace.
The NTC/CDAF purchasing managers' index (PMI), which measures French manufacturing activity, rose to a six-month high of 53.8 in December, well above the 51.5 forecast by economists and the 52.5 recorded in November.
"Higher output was underpinned by a further rise in volumes of incoming new orders," data compiler NTC said in a statement. "Growth of new work quickened to the fastest seen in 2007, with panellists reporting solid market demand conditions. New export orders continued to increase, although the rate of growth eased from November's nine-month high."
The output index rose to 56.2 from 54.2 in November, and the index measuring new orders recorded its highest level in a year, increasing to 54.8 from 54.6 the month before. The index for new export orders stood at 53.0 in December, down from 53.7 in November.
"Although easing slightly from November's nine-month high, growth of new orders from abroad remained solid in December," NTC said, adding panellists cited Asia and Europe as sources of new export business growth during the latest survey period.