Switzerland's September Trade: Exports Rise, Watch Sector Struggles
Switzerland's trade figures for September show a mixed picture. Total exports rose by 3.4% to reach 22 billion Swiss francs, while imports increased by 9.4% to 19.9 billion francs. However, the Swiss watchmaking sector continues to face pressure, with exports declining for the second consecutive month.
Despite the monthly increase, exports over the entire third quarter fell by 3.9% compared to the previous period. The Swiss franc strengthened against the euro, reaching a new record low of 0.9210 francs on Tuesday. Exports to the U.S. notably increased in September after a significant drop in August, which may have contributed to the overall rise in exports.
The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) forecasts slight economic growth of 1.3% for the current year and 0.9% for 2026. However, the search results do not provide specific information on the forecasted growth rate of the Swiss economy by SECO for the years 2022 and 2026. Recent economic data indicates that unemployment in September 2025 remained stable.
While September's trade figures show some improvement, the Swiss watchmaking sector's ongoing pressure and the quarterly export decline highlight the need for continued vigilance. The Swiss franc's strength against the euro and the U.S. dollar's initial dip and subsequent rebound also warrant attention. The SECO's growth forecasts suggest a stable economic outlook, despite the mixed trade data.
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