France records lower trade deficit in October on slowing purchases

France cut trade deficit by 21.6 percent to 3.41 billion euros (4.51 billion U.S. dollars) in October compared to a month earlier following slowing energy imports, official figures showed on Wednesday.

For the past 12 months, the cumulated trade deficit already climbed to 50.77 billion euros (67.2 billion dollars) in total, according to data issued by customs services.

The country' s total export inched down by 1.1 percent to 32.389 billion euros (42.875 billion dollars) over the period, outpacing imports which value fell by 3.56 percent to stand at 35.820 billion euros (47.422 billion dollars) on less imported petroleum products.

"The sharp reduction in trade deficit was due mainly to slowing energy imports following October social protests which eased refineries and port activities. Exports were stable with Airbus orders reached high level," French customs said in a statement.

Airbus sales abroad, France' s key engine business, jumped by 32 percent led by the aeronautic group's high orders worth 1.758 billion euros (2.327 billion dollars).
(Source:xinhua)