Swiss Trade Surplus Widens in April

Switzerland's trade surplus widened to CHF 3.2 billion in April 2026 from a downwardly revised and more-than-two-year low of CHF 2.6 billion in the previous month. Exports edged up 0.1% month-over-month to a three-month high of CHF 22.3 billion, as the decline in chemical and pharmaceutical products (-3.1%) was offset by stronger shipments of machinery, electronics and equipment (5.5%) and watches (5%). By destination, exports to Asia climbed 9.8%, while shipments to North America surged 16.2%. However, exports to Europe slumped by 11.6%, with shipments to EU countries falling 12.3%. Meanwhile, imports dropped 3.0% month-over-month to CHF 19.0 billion, mainly due to lower purchases of chemical and pharmaceutical products (-16.2%) and food, feed, and beverages (-1.3%). By region, the decline was led by lower imports from Europe (-1.1%), while arrivals from North America (7%) and Asia (4.4%) posted growth.

Switzerland’s trade surplus narrowed to CHF 2.7 billion in March 2026, from a downwardly revised six-month high of CHF 4.4 billion in the prior month. It marked the smallest surplus since February 2024, as imports climbed 10.1% month-on-month to a four-month high of CHF 19.6 billion, driven mainly by higher purchases of chemical and pharmaceutical products (36.1%) and machinery, electronics and equipment (1.6%). Imports rose the most from Europe (9.5%) and Asia (4.2%). Meanwhile, exports rose just 1% to CHF 22.4 billion, with watch shipments slipping 5.4% as the sector grappled with disruptions in the Middle East and persistently high precious metal costs. Regionally, exports to Europe (5.8%) and Asia (6.2%) increased, while shipments to North America dropped 16.2%, driven by a 15.9% fall in exports to the US after a strong 17.9% growth in February. For the Q1 2026, Switzerland recorded a trade surplus of CHF 110.95 billion, with exports falling 4.2% and imports declining 4.7%.

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%).