Paris, July 07 (QNA) - France's trade deficit widened to EUR 6.9 billion in May, up EUR 1.5 billion from the previous month, as weaker exports -- particularly of military equipment -- offset only a modest increase in imports, official data showed on Tuesday.

According to the French customs authority, exports fell EUR 1.1 billion to EUR 53.6 billion, largely due to an EUR 800 million drop in military equipment shipments following exceptionally strong sales in April. Imports edged up EUR 400 million to EUR 60.5 billion.

The data also showed that exports of machinery, electronics, and information technology equipment declined by EUR 600 million, while transport equipment exports increased by EUR 200 million, supported by a EUR 500 million rise in aerospace shipments.

On the import side, the increase was driven mainly by a EUR 400 million rise in transport equipment purchases, particularly automotive products, while energy imports declined by EUR 400 million.

France's trade deficit had narrowed to EUR 5.4 billion in April, down EUR 1 billion from March, supported by stronger exports and lower energy imports from the Middle East. (QNA)