Swiss exports reach record highs in 2024 thanks to pharma

Swiss exports reach new record highs in 2024 Keystone-SDA

After a setback in the previous year, Swiss exports grew slightly again in 2024 and reached a new high. Overall, however, the picture is mixed. This is because the record was achieved almost exclusively thanks to the chemical-pharmaceutical sector.

Specifically, exports climbed by 3.2% to CHF282.9 billion in 2024 as a whole, as reported by the Federal Office for Customs and Border Protection (FOCBS) on Thursday. Imports, on the other hand, fell by 1.6% to CHF222.3 billion, resulting in a new record surplus of CHF60.6 billion in the trade balance.

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Although total exports increased again in 2024, only two of the eleven main sectors grew, according to the customs authority. Exports of chemical-pharmaceutical products climbed by 10%. Food and beverages were also up (+2.3%) – thanks to coffee exports.

Adapted from German by DeepL/ac

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