Downward trend halted - export sentiment on the upswing again

Following the slight downward trend in previous months, export sentiment is returning to positive territory. According to indicators from Credit Suisse and S-GE, demand for Swiss export goods is likely to continue to rise globally, albeit no longer to the same extent and at the same pace as in the previous year. Half of the Swiss SMEs surveyed by S-GE expect more exports in the coming quarter. While 35% expect an increase in exports of 1 to 10%, 11% anticipate an increase of 10 to 25%. 3% even hope for one of 25% and more. 39% of the SMEs expect their export volume to stagnate, 12% anticipate a decrease.

Companies build up export competencies

Claude Maurer, economist at Credit Suisse, says: "In Europe, the demand situation for Swiss goods and services has at least stabilized, while it has clouded over somewhat in the US. That explains why the Credit Suisse export barometer is only just above the growth threshold." Alberto Silini, Head of Consulting at Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), notes: "The renewed optimistic export sentiment reflects the confidence of Swiss SMEs, but the challenges in international trade remain. It is therefore no coincidence that companies are building competencies to overcome export challenges. S-GE supports companies in this process with know-how, a global network and useful digital tools."

Germany as the most important export market

By far the most important export market is and remains Germany. The neighboring country to the north swings far out on top with 58%, followed by the USA with 20% and China with 16%. 11% of the SMEs surveyed named France as their most important export destination and 10% Austria.

83% of the SMEs surveyed want to export goods or services to Germany in the next six months. France and Austria follow with 61% of the mentions, and the USA comes in fourth with 56%. 52% of the SMEs each want to export to Italy and China, and 43% to the Netherlands. Spain follows in eighth place with 42%. Of the SMEs surveyed, 15% said they wanted to become newly active in Russia in the next six months. The Gulf States follow with 13%, 11% are targeting Scandinavia and Japan, and 9% named the USA, France, Spain, India and China as new destinations.

Source: Switzerland Global Enterprise