French trade deficit widened to 5.32 billion euros (7 billion U.S. dollars) in January after 5.1 billion euros (6.74 billion U.S. dollars) in December on tepid aeronautical exports, according to customs data released on Thursday.

The country's total exports inched up by 1.5 percent to 36.83 billion euros (48.65 billion dollars) over the period while the import rose to 42.16 billion euros (55.72 billion dollars) after 41.3 billion euros (54.59 billion dollars) reported in December.

"After exceptional performance in November and December, aircraft deliveries fold back moderately" with 23 sold Airbus sold worth 1.74 billion euros (2.29 billion dollars), down from 2.14 billion euros (2.82 billion dollars).

For the past 12 months, the cumulated trade deficit already climbed to 70.10 billion euros (92.66 billion dollars) in total.

According to 2012 budget draft, trade gap would stand at 73.8 billion euros (97.55 billion dollars) this year, slightly up from 73.1 billion euros (96.63 billion dollars) in 2011.