Swiss Trade Balance Tightens As Exports Fall

Swiss May trade surplus tightened to CHF2.01 bln from 2.56 bln in April, on the back of deteriorating export growth. Exports were down 7.9% m/m in nominal terms, while imports fell by 5.3%. On the year, exports fell by a sharp 19.1% in nominal terms in May and were down 20.7% y/y in real terms, while imports fell by 21.8% y/y in nominal terms. The data highlight how Switzerland’s important export sector is now suffering as global demand weakens. Meanwhile, negative import growth emphasises dwindling domestic demand.