France's industrial production increased less than expected in June after a renewed decline in May, the statistical office INSEE said on Wednesday.
Industrial production rose 0.1% on a monthly basis in June, in contrast to the 0.1% decrease in May. Economists had forecast a monthly increase of 0.3%.
The rebound in industrial output was attributed to a 4.2% growth in utility sector output.
At the same time, manufacturing output posted a decline of 1.1%, slightly faster than the 1% fall a month ago. The downturn was mainly driven by a 12% slump in the manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products.
Data showed that the manufacture of transport equipment contracted 3.8%.
On a yearly basis, industrial production advanced 1.9% at the end of the second quarter.