News

Swiss Trade Surplus at 6-Month High
Switzerland’s trade surplus widened to CHF 4.4 billion in February 2026, from a downwardly revised CHF 3.5 billion in January, marking the largest surplus since August 2025. Exports fell 2.7% month-over-month to CHF 22.2 billion, with declines recorded in nine of the ten main product groups. The largest drops were in chemical and pharmaceutical products (-3.1%) and machinery, electronics, and equipment (-2.6%), while watch exports (1.3%) were the only segment showing growth and continuing a five-month upward trend. Regionally, exports to Europe (-3.5%) and Asia (-12%) declined, while exports to North America surged 19.4%, led by the US (21.2%). Meanwhile, imports dropped even more sharply, falling 8.3% month-on-month to CHF 17.8 billion, primarily weighed down by a 23.5% slump in chemical and pharmaceutical products. Imports contracted across all major regions, namely Europe (-10.4%), North America (-27.7%), and Asia (-8.9%).
Published on 2026-03-19

Swiss Trade Surplus at 6-Month High
Switzerland’s trade surplus widened to CHF 4.4 billion in February 2026, up from a downwardly revised CHF 3.5 billion in January, marking the largest surplus since August 2025. Exports fell 2.7% month-over-month to CHF 22.2 billion, with declines recorded in nine of the ten main product groups. The largest drops were in chemical and pharmaceutical products (-3.1%) and machinery, electronics, and equipment (-2.6%), while watch exports (1.3%) were the only segment showing growth and continuing a five-month upward trend. Regionally, exports to Europe (-3.5%) and Asia (-12%) declined, while exports to North America surged 19.4%, led by the US (21.2%). Meanwhile, imports dropped even more sharply, falling 8.3% month-on-month to CHF 17.8 billion, primarily weighed down by a 23.5% slump in chemical and pharmaceutical products. Imports contracted across all major regions, namely Europe (-10.4%), North America (-27.7%), and Asia (-8.9%).
Published on 2026-03-19

Swiss Trade Surplus Expands in January
Switzerland’s trade surplus widened to CHF 3.6 billion in January 2026, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.9 billion in December, as exports rose while imports decreased. Exports grew 2.3% month-on-month to CHF 23.0 billion, driven by chemical and pharmaceutical exports, which rose 4.9% after a 10.6% decline in December. Exports of machinery, electronics, and equipment also increased (2.0%). By destination, shipments to Europe went up 5.3%, while exports to Asia (-3.5%) and North America (-7.2%) dropped. Specifically, exports to the US dropped 7.1%, despite a tariff cut on Swiss goods from 39% to 15% in mid-November. Meanwhile, imports decreased 0.9% to CHF 19.4 billion, dragged mainly by reduced purchases of machinery, electronics, and equipment (-1.1%) and vehicles (-6.2%), which offset a modest rise in chemical and pharmaceutical imports (0.1%). Imports from Europe fell 0.2%, with purchases from Eurozone countries dropping 1.3% and those from non-EU countries down 8.6%.
Published on 2026-02-19

Swiss Trade Surplus Expands in January
Switzerland’s trade surplus widened to CHF 3.6 billion in January 2026, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.9 billion in the previous month, as exports rose while imports decreased. Exports grew 2.3% month-on-month to CHF 23.0 billion, largely due to higher sales of chemical and pharmaceutical products, which rose 4.9% after a 10.6% decline in December. Exports of machinery, electronics, and equipment also increased (2.0%). By destination, shipments to Europe went up 5.3%, while exports to Asia (-3.5%) and North America (-7.2%) dropped. Meanwhile, imports decreased 0.9% to CHF 19.4 billion, dragged mainly by reduced purchases of machinery, electronics, and equipment (-1.1%) and vehicles (-6.2%), which offset a modest rise in chemical and pharmaceutical imports (0.1%). Imports from Europe fell 0.2%, with purchases from Eurozone countries dropping 1.3% and those from non-EU countries down 8.6%.
Published on 2026-02-19

Swiss Trade Surplus Expands in January
Switzerland’s trade surplus widened to CHF 3.6 billion in January 2026, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.9 billion in December, as exports rose while imports decreased. Exports grew 2.3% month-on-month to CHF 23.0 billion, driven mainly by chemical and pharmaceutical exports, which rose 4.9% after a 10.6% decline in December. Exports of machinery, electronics, and equipment also increased (2.0%). By destination, shipments to Europe went up 5.3%, while exports to Asia (-3.5%) and North America (-7.2%) dropped. Specifically, exports to the US dropped 7.1%, despite a tariff cut on Swiss goods from 39% to 15% in mid-November. Meanwhile, imports decreased 0.9% to CHF 19.4 billion, largely due to reduced purchases of machinery, electronics, and equipment (-1.1%) and vehicles (-6.2%), which offset a modest rise in chemical and pharmaceutical imports (0.1%). Imports from Europe fell 0.2%, with purchases from Eurozone dropping 1.3% and those from non-Eurozone down 8.6%.
Published on 2026-02-19

Swiss Trade Surplus Expands in January
Switzerland’s trade surplus widened to CHF 3.6 billion in January 2026, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.9 billion in the previous month, as exports rose while imports decreased. Exports grew 2.3% month-on-month to CHF 23.0 billion, largely due to higher sales of chemical and pharmaceutical products, which rose 4.9% after a 10.6% decline in December. Exports of machinery, electronics, and equipment also increased 2.0%. Shipments to Europe rose 5.3%, while exports to Asia (-3.5%) and North America (-7.2%) dropped. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.9% to CHF 19.4 billion, dragged mainly by reduced purchases of machinery, electronics, and equipment (-1.1%) and vehicles (-6.2%), which offset a modest rise in chemical and pharmaceutical imports (0.1%). Imports from Europe dropped (-0.2%), with Eurozone countries falling 1.3% and non-EU countries down 8.6%.
Published on 2026-02-19

Swiss Trade Surplus Expands in January
Switzerland’s trade surplus widened to CHF 3.6 billion in January 2026, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.9 billion in the previous month, as exports rose while imports decreased. Exports grew 2.3% month-on-month to CHF 23.0 billion, largely due to higher sales of chemical and pharmaceutical products, which rose 4.9% after a 10.6% drop in December. Exports of machinery, electronics, and equipment also increased 2.0%. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.9% to CHF 19.4 billion, dragged mainly by reduced purchases of machinery, electronics, and equipment (-1.1%), which offset a modest rise in imports of chemical and pharmaceutical products (0.1%).
Published on 2026-02-19

Swiss Trade Surplus Expands in January
Switzerland’s trade surplus widened to CHF 3.6 billion in January 2026, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.9 billion in the previous month, as exports rose while imports decreased. Exports grew 2.3% month-on-month to CHF 23.0 billion, largely due to higher sales of chemical and pharmaceutical products, which rose 4.9% after a 10.6% decline in December. Exports of machinery, electronics, and equipment also increased 2.0%. Shipments to Europe rose 5.3%, while exports to Asia (-3.5%) and North America (-7.2%) dropped. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.9% to CHF 19.4 billion, dragged mainly by reduced purchases of machinery, electronics, and equipment (-1.1%) and vehicles (-6.2%), which offset a modest rise in chemical and pharmaceutical imports (0.1%). Imports from Europe dropped (-0.2%), with Eurozone countries falling 1.3% and non-EU countries down 8.6%.
Published on 2026-02-19

Swiss Trade Surplus Narrows in December
Switzerland’s trade surplus narrowed to CHF 3 billion in December 2025, from an upwardly revised CHF 3.9 billion in November. Imports fell 1% month-on-month to CHF 19.5 billion, driven by a decline in chemical and pharmaceutical products (-1.4%), which offset gains in machinery, electronics, and equipment (1.3%) and food, feed, and luxury food products (1.1%). Imports from Europe decreased 2%, with Eurozone countries down 1.4% and non-Eurozone countries falling 3.5%. Meanwhile, exports dropped 4.5% month-on-month to CHF 22.5 billion, primarily due to lower sales of chemical and pharmaceutical products, which fell 10.7%. Exports to the US declined 22.4%, reversing a 7.6% gain in November. However, US-bound exports for 2025 still rose 3.9% to hit a record CHF 54.7 billion, despite President Donald Trump’s tariffs, which were the highest among advanced economies. For the full year, Switzerland’s trade surplus reached CHF 54.3 billion, with exports increasing 1.4% and imports rising 4.5%.
Published on 2026-01-29

Swiss Trade Surplus Narrows in December
Switzerland’s trade surplus narrowed to CHF 3 billion in December 2025, from an upwardly revised CHF 3.9 billion in November. Imports fell 1% month-on-month to CHF 19.5 billion, driven by a decline in chemical and pharmaceutical products (-1.4%), which offset gains in machinery, electronics, and equipment (1.3%) and food, feed, and luxury food products (1.1%). Imports from Europe decreased 2%, with Eurozone countries down 1.4% and non-Eurozone countries falling 3.5%. Meanwhile, exports dropped 4.5% month-on-month to CHF 22.5 billion, primarily due to lower sales of chemical and pharmaceutical products, which fell 10.7%. Exports to the US declined 22.4%, reversing a 7.6% gain in November. However, US-bound exports for 2025 still rose 3.9% to hit a record CHF 54.7 billion, despite President Trump’s 39% tariff, which was the highest among advanced economies. For the full year, Switzerland’s trade surplus reached CHF 54.3 billion, with exports increasing 1.4% and imports rising 4.5%.
Published on 2026-01-29

Swiss Trade Surplus Largest in 3 Months
Switzerland's trade surplus widened to CHF 3 billion in November 2025, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.5 billion in the previous month. This marked the largest surplus since August, as exports rose 1.6% month-over-month to CHF 22.8 billion, led by higher sales of chemical and pharmaceutical products (1.5%), machinery and electronics (1.5%), and watches (0.3%). Exports to the US grew 7.6%, rebounding from a 6.9% drop in October, following a recent Swiss-US agreement that cut US tariffs from 39% to 15% in exchange for a $200 billion investment pledge from Swiss companies and improved market access for certain American agricultural products. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.8% month-on-month to CHF 19.8 billion, mainly due to lower purchases of chemical and pharmaceutical products (–6.4%) and food and luxury food products (–1.2%). Imports from Europe declined 1.3%, with Eurozone countries down 1.4% and non-Eurozone countries falling 4.2%.
Published on 2025-12-18

Swiss Trade Surplus Largest in 3 Months
Switzerland's trade surplus widened to CHF 3 billion in November 2025, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.5 billion in the previous month. This marked the largest surplus since August, as exports rose 1.6% month-over-month to CHF 22.8 billion, led by higher sales of chemical and pharmaceutical products (1.5%), machinery and electronics (1.5%), and watches (0.3%). Exports to the US grew 7.6%, rebounding from a 6.9% drop in October, following a recent Swiss-US agreement that cut US tariffs from 39% to 15% in exchange for a $200 billion investment pledge from Swiss companies and improved market access for certain American agricultural products. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.8% month-on-month to CHF 19.8 billion, mainly due to lower purchases of chemical and pharmaceutical products (–6.4%) and food and luxury food products (–1.2%). Imports from Europe declined 1.3%, with Eurozone countries down 1.4% and non-Eurozone countries falling 4.2%.
Published on 2025-12-18

Swiss Trade Surplus Largest in 3 Months
Switzerland's trade surplus widened to CHF 3 billion in November 2025, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.5 billion in the previous month. This marked the largest surplus since August, as exports rose 1.6% month-over-month to CHF 22.8 billion, led by higher sales of chemical and pharmaceutical products (1.5%), machinery and electronics (1.5%), and watches (0.3%). Exports to the US grew 7.6%, rebounding from a 6.9% drop in October, following a Swiss-US agreement on November 14 that cut US tariffs to 15% from 39% in exchange for a $200 billion investment pledge from Swiss companies and easier market access for certain American agricultural products. Meanwhile, imports fell 0.8% month-on-month to CHF 19.8 billion, mainly due to lower purchases of chemical and pharmaceutical products (–6.4%) and food and luxury food products (–1.2%). Imports from Europe declined 1.3%, with Eurozone countries down 1.4% and non-Eurozone countries falling 4.2%.
Published on 2025-12-18

Swiss Trade Surplus Smallest in 5 Months
Switzerland's trade surplus narrowed to CHF 2.6 billion in October 2025, down from a downwardly revised CHF 2.7 billion in the previous month. This marked the smallest surplus since May, as imports rose 0.2% month-on-month to CHF 19.9 billion, driven primarily by higher purchases of machinery and electronics (0.03%), vehicles (5.5%), and metals (1%). Imports from Europe increased 1.4%, with Eurozone countries up 0.8% and non-Eurozone countries jumping 11.8%. In contrast, imports from Asia fell 2.5%, led by declines from China and Japan. Meanwhile, exports declined 0.3% to CHF 22.5 billion, weighed down by lower sales of precision instruments (-3%) and jewelry (-13.6%). Exports to the US fell 5.5%, reversing a 42.1% surge in September, as the 39% tariff continued to curb demand before last week’s agreement. Swiss trade is expected to improve following the US agreement to cut tariffs to 15%, particularly benefiting Swiss manufacturers of watches, machinery, and precision instruments.
Published on 2025-11-20

Swiss Trade Surplus Smallest in 5 Months
Switzerland's trade surplus slightly narrowed to CHF 2.6 billion in October 2025, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.7 billion in the previous month. This marked the smallest surplus since May, as imports rose 0.2% month-on-month to CHF 19.9 billion, with purchases increasing for vehicles (5.5%), and metals (1%) while stalling for machinery and electronics. Imports from Europe increased 1.4%, with Eurozone countries up 0.8% and non-Eurozone countries jumping 11.8%. In contrast, imports from Asia fell 2.5%, led by declines from China and Japan. Meanwhile, exports declined 0.3% to CHF 22.5 billion, weighed down by lower sales of precision instruments (-3%) and jewelry (-13.6%). Exports to the US fell 5.5%, reversing a 42.1% surge in September, as the 39% tariff continued to curb demand before last week’s agreement. Swiss trade is expected to improve following the US agreement to cut tariffs to 15%, particularly benefiting Swiss manufacturers of watches, machinery, and precision instruments.
Published on 2025-11-20

Swiss Trade Surplus Smallest in 5 Months
Switzerland's trade surplus slightly narrowed to CHF 2.6 billion in October 2025, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.7 billion in the previous month. This marked the smallest surplus since May, as imports rose 0.2% month-on-month to CHF 19.9 billion, with purchases increasing for vehicles (5.5%) and metals (1%) while stalling for machinery and electronics. Imports from Europe increased 1.4%, with Eurozone countries up 0.8% and non-Eurozone countries jumping 11.8%. In contrast, imports from Asia fell 2.5%, led by declines from China and Japan. Meanwhile, exports declined 0.3% to CHF 22.5 billion, weighed down by lower sales of precision instruments (-3%) and jewelry (-13.6%). Exports to the US fell 5.5%, reversing a 42.1% surge in September, as the 39% tariff continued to curb demand before last week’s agreement. Swiss trade is expected to improve following the US agreement to cut tariffs to 15%, particularly benefiting manufacturers of watches, machinery, and precision instruments.
Published on 2025-11-20

Swiss Trade Surplus Smallest in 5 Months
Switzerland's trade surplus slightly narrowed to CHF 2.6 billion in October 2025, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.7 billion in the previous month. This marked the smallest surplus since May, as imports rose 0.2% month-on-month to CHF 19.9 billion, with purchases increasing for machinery and electronics (0.03%), vehicles (5.5%), and metals (1%). Imports from Europe increased 1.4%, with Eurozone countries up 0.8% and non-Eurozone countries jumping 11.8%. In contrast, imports from Asia fell 2.5%, led by declines from China and Japan. Meanwhile, exports declined 0.3% to CHF 22.5 billion, weighed down by lower sales of precision instruments (-3%) and jewelry (-13.6%). Exports to the US fell 5.5%, reversing a 42.1% surge in September, as the 39% tariff continued to curb demand before last week’s agreement. Swiss trade is expected to improve following the US agreement to cut tariffs to 15%, particularly benefiting Swiss manufacturers of watches, machinery, and precision instruments.
Published on 2025-11-20

Swiss Trade Surplus Smallest in 5 Months
Switzerland's trade surplus slightly narrowed to CHF 2.6 billion in October 2025, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.7 billion in the previous month. This marked the smallest surplus since May, as imports rose 0.2% month-on-month to CHF 19.9 billion, driven primarily by higher purchases of machinery and electronics (0.03%), vehicles (5.5%), and metals (1%). Imports from Europe increased 1.4%, with Eurozone countries up 0.8% and non-Eurozone countries jumping 11.8%. In contrast, imports from Asia fell 2.5%, led by declines from China and Japan. Meanwhile, exports declined 0.3% to CHF 22.5 billion, weighed down by lower sales of precision instruments (-3%) and jewelry (-13.6%). Exports to the US fell 5.5%, reversing a 42.1% surge in September, as the 39% tariff continued to curb demand before last week’s agreement. Swiss trade is expected to improve following the US agreement to cut tariffs to 15%, particularly benefiting Swiss manufacturers of watches, machinery, and precision instruments.
Published on 2025-11-20

Swiss Trade Surplus Smallest in 5 Months
Switzerland's trade surplus slightly narrowed to CHF 2.6 billion in October 2025, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.7 billion in the previous month. This marked the smallest surplus since May, as imports rose 0.2% month-on-month to CHF 19.9 billion, with purchases increasing for vehicles (5.5%), and metals (1%) while stalling for machinery and electronics. Imports from Europe increased 1.4%, with Eurozone countries up 0.8% and non-Eurozone countries jumping 11.8%. In contrast, imports from Asia fell 2.5%, led by declines from China and Japan. Meanwhile, exports declined 0.3% to CHF 22.5 billion, weighed down by lower sales of precision instruments (-3%) and jewelry (-13.6%). Exports to the US fell 5.5%, reversing a 42.1% surge in September, as the 39% tariff continued to curb demand before last week’s agreement. Swiss trade is expected to improve following the US agreement to cut tariffs to 15%, particularly benefiting manufacturers of watches, machinery, and precision instruments.
Published on 2025-11-20

Swiss Trade Surplus Smallest in 5 Months
Switzerland's trade surplus slightly narrowed to CHF 2.6 billion in October 2025, from a downwardly revised CHF 2.7 billion in the previous month. This marked the smallest surplus since May, as imports rose 0.2% month-on-month to CHF 19.9 billion, with purchases increasing for machinery and electronics (0.03%), vehicles (5.5%), and metals (1%). Imports from Europe increased 1.4%, with Eurozone countries up 0.8% and non-Eurozone countries jumping 11.8%. In contrast, imports from Asia fell 2.5%, led by declines from China and Japan. Meanwhile, exports declined 0.3% to CHF 22.5 billion, weighed down by lower sales of precision instruments (-3%) and jewelry (-13.6%). Exports to the US fell 5.5%, reversing a 42.1% surge in September, as the 39% tariff continued to curb demand before last week’s agreement. Swiss trade is expected to improve following the US agreement to cut tariffs to 15%, particularly benefiting Swiss manufacturers of watches, machinery, and precision instruments.
Published on 2025-11-20