Swiss watch exports growth of 10,5% in the first half of 2018
The strong results posted throughout the first six months of the year enabled Swiss watch industry exports to pass the 10 billion francs mark at the end of the first half; that had no longer been the case since 2015. With 10.5% growth over the first half of 2017, they reached 10.5 billion francs, i.e. one billion more than at the same time last year. This was the strongest half-yearly rise since 2012.
Asia held a practical monopoly on growth in the first half, generating just under 90% of the global rise in Swiss watch industry exports. It took the equivalent to 5.6 billion francs, 18.7% more than in January-June 2017. The American continent has followed suit, although with only half the level of growth (+9.1%). Combining more contrasting local trends and a less favourable economic environment, Europe (-1.2%) lagged behind.