France services trade balance
France services trade balance stood at 4,224 EUR million in Aug 2026, according to Banque de France – Webstat (webstat.banque-france.fr). It is one of the indicators in the Trade in services by type table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 2013 to Aug 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Trade in services by type table
| Indicator | 08-2026 | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Services, balance11 | 4,224 | 4,271 | 9,307 | 7,767 | 6,111 | 3,057 | 1,409 | 1,834 | 5,156 | 3,469 | |
| Manufacturing services on inputs owned by others | -117 | 76 | -99 | 31 | 139 | 13 | 114 | -98 | 64 | 469 | |
| Maintenance and repair services | 665 | 713 | 763 | 594 | 607 | 589 | 569 | 628 | 738 | 643 |
Understanding france services trade balance
The net difference between total exports of services and total imports of services, representing the overall surplus or deficit generated through international trade in intangible economic outputs. This aggregate combines all sub-sectors ranging from transport and travel to complex financial and digital services, omitting physical merchandise trade and primary income flows. A positive outcome indicates that service receipts exceed expenditure, whereas a negative outcome reflects a net outflow of funds for foreign services.
Analyzing this aggregate requires acknowledging the distinct seasonal cycles of its underlying components, particularly the tourism and transport sectors. Early estimates are prone to regular revisions as detailed survey data for individual service categories are finalized. Observers should track the multi-month trajectory rather than isolated monthly readings, ensuring comparisons focus on broader economic competitiveness rather than temporary holiday-driven swings.
Frequently asked questions
- How is the services trade balance calculated?
- By subtracting total service imports from total service exports across all tracked categories.
- Does this measure include merchandise trade like manufactured goods?
- No, physical goods trade is measured separately under goods balances, leaving this figure strictly for intangibles.
- What causes the balance to shift between surplus and deficit?
- Shifts in consumer travel patterns, transport freight rates, and international demand for specialized business services.