French Factory Closures Jump 30% on Asia Pressure, US Tariffs
Steel slabs in the press shop at the Arcelor Mittal SA steelworks in Dunkirk, France.
Photographer: Benjamin Girette/BloombergFrench factory closures jumped almost 30% last year after rising pressure from Asian competitors and the blow from US tariffs, while the number of new openings also declined.
About 160 plants were shuttered, up from 121 in 2024, according to data published Sunday by the finance ministry, which also cited the impact of higher energy prices. Approximately 103 factories opened last year, compared with 115 in 2024.