Press releases Foreign trade statistics
The Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS) publishes monthly updates on Switzerland’s foreign trade statistics. Interested persons can register on news.admin.ch to receive the press releases by email on the day of publication.
2025: Exports hit a new record, driven by chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Swiss foreign trade posted increases in both directions of trade in 2025. Exports rose by 1.4% to CHF 287.0 billion, a new record. Having posted negative figures in the two previous years, imports rose by 4.5% to CHF 232,7 billion. This is the second-highest value ever recorded. The trade surplus amounted to CHF 54.3 billion.
2024: Mixed picture despite record exports
While foreign trade was still negative in both directions in the previous year, exports reached a new high of +3.2% in 2024. However, this record was achieved almost exclusively thanks to the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sector. On the import side, on the other hand, last year's decline continued at –1.6%, albeit at a slightly slower pace. The opposing trend between imports and exports resulted in a new record trade surplus of CHF 60.6 billion.
Sluggish foreign trade in 2023
After two years of strong growth, Swiss foreign trade declined in both directions in 2023. Exports fell by 1.2% and appeared volatile over the quarters. Imports fell by 3.8% and only picked up again in the final quarter. Falling prices led to better results in real terms in both directions. The trade surplus rose to CHF 48.5 billion.
2022: Price-driven increase in foreign trade
Driven by rising prices, Swiss foreign trade increased significantly in nominal terms in2022. Although exports rose by 7.2%, they stagnated in price-adjusted terms. Meanwhile, imports grew by 16.8% in nominal terms and edged up slightly in real terms. Trade declined in both directions in the fourth quarter. The year ended with a trade surplus of CHF 43.5 billion.