French exports boost economy despite strikes

A rebound in exports helped French output expand by 0.2 per cent over the first three months of this year, underlining the resilience of the eurozone’s second-largest economy after several weeks of strikes.

Foreign sales of goods and services rose by 1.1 per cent, helping to compensate for weak consumer spending following months of industrial action. Imports also fell 0.6 per cent, meaning trade provided a substantial lift to the…