Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

Exports begin to pick up again

Switzerland recorded a 3.3 per cent nominal increase in exports in February to SFr14.9 billion ($14.1 billion), with most branches recording higher figures.

The demand came in particular from Asia and North America in another sign that the country’s economy is recovering.

In a statement, the customs authorities said that exports were “feeling the effects of spring”, although it noted that in real terms – that means taking inflation into account – they went down by 0.9 per cent.

The value of watchmaking exports was up by 14.2 per cent, while the metal industry posted a 12.3 per cent rise compared with the previous month.

Imports were down by a nominal 0.9 per cent to SFr13.6 billion, leaving a trade surplus of SFr1.3 billion.

Government economists earlier this week revised their 2010 growth forecast for the Swiss economy upwards from 0.7 per cent to 1.4 per cent.

swissinfo.ch and agencies

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here. Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR