In February 2026, secondary sector activity declined by 2,3% on a monthly basis, driven downward by extractive industries, construction, chemical manufacturing, and oil refining, according to the Direction de la prévision et des études économiques (Dpee). Despite these monthly contractions across several major segments, the sector registered a 10,3% consolidation over a one-year period, supported by gains in energy production, food processing, and manufacturing.
Monthly Contractions Across Key Industrial Segments
The monthly downturn of 2,3% in February 2026 stemmed largely from a drop in extractive activities, which fell by 8,6%, with hydrocarbures decreasing by 9,4%. Additional negative pressures came from construction at -7,5%, the fabrication de ciment et d’autres matériaux de construction at -7,8%, basic chemical manufacturing at -11,6%, and petroleum refining and coking at -3,9%, as reported by the Dpee.
Conversely, positive monthly performances tempered these losses. The fabrication de produits agro-alimentaires rose by 12,0%, while other manufactured goods grew by 6,6%. Furthermore, water production, sanitation, and waste treatment increased by 5,6%, and electricity and gas distribution advanced by 1,2%.
Did You Know? Basic chemical manufacturing experienced a sharp yearly contraction, dropping by 30,2% according to official economic data.
Annual Consolidation and Year-Over-Year Growth
Looking at the broader annual picture, the Dpee notes that secondary sector activity achieved a consolidation of 10,3% in February 2026 compared to the previous year. This annual growth was led primarily by the production and distribution of electricity and gas, which surged by 21,7%. Extractive activities also contributed significantly with a 15,5% increase.
Additional yearly gains included water production, sanitation, and waste treatment up by 12,6%, the fabrication of other manufactured products up by 10,5%, food product manufacturing up by 4,7%, and construction up by 3,9%. When excluding hydrocarbures entirely, secondary sector activity showed resilience, improving by 1,6% month-over-month and 7,7% in year-over-year sliding variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the overall monthly change in secondary sector activity for February 2026?
Secondary sector activity decreased by 2,3% in monthly variation during February 2026, according to the Dpee.
Which specific industries drove the monthly decline?
The monthly drop was driven by extractive activities at -8,6% (including hydrocarbures at -9,4%), construction at -7,5%, the fabrication de ciment et d’autres matériaux de construction at -7,8%, basic chemical manufacturing at -11,6%, and petroleum refining and coking at -3,9%.
How did the sector perform on an annual basis?
Over a one-year period, secondary sector activity consolidated by 10,3% in February 2026, largely supported by gains in electricity and gas distribution, extractive activities, water and waste services, and manufacturing.
How might these industrial trends influence upcoming economic forecasts for the secondary sector?
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