In the first quarter of 2026, the Swiss economy recorded a 0.4% growth, as reported by the government. This figure, though slightly below initial estimates, aligns with Switzerland’s long-term average growth rates.
Key contributors to this uptick include the industrial sector, which saw a value increase of 1.3%, following several quarters of poor performance. The manufacturing segment showed resilience, with a 1.5% increase driven by higher revenues and exports.
However, a notable decline was observed in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, with exports dropping by 3.4%. As a result, the overall goods exports decreased by 2.2%. Meanwhile, the services sector showed a modest rise of 0.2%, and the struggling retail sector faced a 1.3% downturn as private consumption remained flat.
(With inputs from agencies.)