France's manufacturing economy remained firmly in contraction during June. According to the latest HCOB PMI® survey, new orders weakened markedly as clients refrained from making additional purchases. Goods producers responded by lowering production volumes, input buying and employment. Business confidence also took a considerable hit as firms predict output volumes to fall further over the next 12 months. Meanwhile, France's manufacturing sector recorded a second successive fall in input costs. Amid reports of increased competitive pressures, lower costs were passed through to clients, leading output charges to be ... (full story)