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Swiss Exports + 7.9 percent YoY, Imports +11.8 percent. Trade Surplus +2.9 bn CHF, Exporters Increase Prices

 

 

We do not like Purchasing Power or Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER) as measurement for currencies. For us, the trade balance decides if a currency is overvalued.  Only the trade balance can express productivity increases, while REER assumes constant productivity in comparison to neighbours.

In July 2016,  Swiss Exports were up 7.9% YoY (in real terms: + 2.4%) and imports 11.8% YoY (in real terms: + 8.2%).  Exporters could even raise prices, as we see in the difference between nominal and real. The difference between nominal and real reflect the fact that in particular pharmaceuticals and chemical exporters could increase their prices in Swiss Franc. Rising import prices come with higher oil prices.

Text translated from the French release of Swiss customs.

 

Exports and Imports YoY Development

In July 2016, Swiss exports declined due to two working days less. Adjusted for this difference, exports were up 7.9% YoY (in real terms: + 2.4%) and imports 11.8% YoY (in real terms: + 8.2%).

Exports and Imports MoM Development 

Compared with June 2016, seasonally adjusted exports rose by 3.5% (in real terms: + 5.5%). Thus the positive trend that began in mid-2015 continues. Imports up 11.8% year on year (real: + 8.2%). In seasonally adjusted terms (compared the previous month), they showed growth of 9.1% (real terms: + 9.2%), confirming their upward trend of previous months.

 

 

Swiss exports and imports, seasonally adjusted (in bn CHF)

Click to enlarge. From Swiss Customs

Trade Balance

The trade balance was in surplus of 2.93 billion francs. This was less than analysts expected.

Sector findings

  • Chemicals and pharmaceuticals increased exports and imports strongly
  • Exports of machinery and electronics: 3rd monthly rise in 2016
  • Growth of trade with major partners in both directions
  • Exports of watches still lagging behind

Switzerland Trade Balance

Click to enlarge. Source Investing.com

 

 

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George Dorgan
George Dorgan (penname) predicted the end of the EUR/CHF peg at the CFA Society and at many occasions on SeekingAlpha.com and on this blog. Several Swiss and international financial advisors support the site. These firms aim to deliver independent advice from the often misleading mainstream of banks and asset managers. George is FinTech entrepreneur, financial author and alternative economist. He speak seven languages fluently.
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