Foreign trade Exports pick up in February
The Swiss export industry sold significantly more goods abroad in February than in January. The chemical and pharmaceutical industries did well, the watch industry did poorly. There are signs of a recovery in the machinery and electronics sector.
20.03.2025, 08:28
SDA
In total, exports amounted to CHF 24.37 billion in February 2025, as reported by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) on Thursday. Exports thus rose by 6.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis compared to the previous month, while in real terms - i.e. adjusted for price changes - they increased by 4.2%. Exports had still fallen sharply in January.
The Chemical-Pharmaceutical division dominated the overall picture with an increase of a whopping 12.0% after a weak start to the year. The sector accounted for just under 58% of total Swiss exports in February. Individual batch call-offs are known to cause major fluctuations in this sector.
Machines grow for the third month in a row
According to the Federal Office, the machinery and electronics (+1.9%) and precision instruments (+3.5%) sectors also recorded an increase in exports. The former thus recorded the third consecutive increase and the highest foreign sales since October 2024.
In contrast, exports of jewelry and jewelry goods as well as watches fell compared to the previous month. According to the figures, sales of the latter fell to their lowest level since September 2024.
In regional terms, exports to North America soared by 9.1% and those to Europe by 6.6%. Exports to Asia, on the other hand, fell by 0.5%.
Imports in the month under review amounted to CHF 20.09 billion, which corresponds to a nominal increase of 7.0% and a real increase of 3.3%. The surplus in the trade balance thus amounted to CHF 4.28 billion.
