France's industrial production dropped marginally in May after rising for two straight months, the statistical office INSEE said on Friday.

Industrial production fell 0.1% on a monthly basis in May, in contrast to the 0.3% rise in April and 1.4% increase in March. Economists had forecast a monthly decrease of 0.3%.

At the same time, manufacturing output posted a decline of 1%, partially offsetting the 0.6% increase seen in April.

Data showed that output decreased in all major branches of the manufacturing industry. The manufacture of transport equipment slid 2.8% and that of electrical, electronic, and computer equipment decreased 2.3%.

The manufacture of coke and refined petroleum products plunged 9% due to a maintenance shutdown.

In mining and quarrying, energy, and water supply, output rebounded 3.2% after a 1% fall. The increase, which affected both electricity and gas supply, was due to higher consumption linked to cool temperatures in mid-month, followed by a heatwave at the end of the month, the statistical office said.