French economy records zero growth in first quarter

France's economy recorded zero growth in the first quarter due to sluggish domestic demand and a strongly negative contribution from foreign trade. Final domestic demand is sluggish, with households spending declining slightly, making a negative contribution to growth. Foreign trade made a strongly negative contribution to growth, with exports falling sharply. Consumer prices rose by 2.2 percent year-on-year in April, driven by a sharp rise in energy prices.