French manufacturing activity grew at the fastest rate in 3-1/2 years in December thanks to robust exports, although political uncertainty may create headwinds in 2026, a business survey by S&P Global showed on Friday. The final purchasing managers' index (PMI) for France's manufacturing sector, as compiled by S&P Global, rose to 50.7 points in December from 47.8 in November, surpassing the 50.0 points threshold marking growth as opposed to contraction.