Worldwide swiss exports feb 2018

BREAKING NEWS: Slide in value of Swiss watch exports to UK fails to dent global growth

The value of Swiss watch exports climbed an impressive 13% in February – but the UK market stood out like a sore thumb as the only one of the top seven to show a decline.

More than 1.9 million units were shipped globally during the month, with the value of the market reaching CH71.7 billion (£53.5 billion), according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.

However, the UK was unable to meet the level of growth recorded in the other top markets after posting a decline of 17% to CHF79.9m (£59.7m). In the same month last year, Swiss watch exports to the UK were worth CHF96m (£71.7m).

The Italian market (down 13%) was the only other country in the top 10 to experience a decline.

Overall, though, it was a good month for the Swiss watch industry heading into Basel. Growth extended to all price segments led by watches with an export price of between CHF500 and CHF3,000 (£375 and £2,240), where the value of sales rose 19%.Wristwatches by price categories feb 2018

Timepieces priced at more than CHF3,000 fell within the average range. Products costing less than CHF200 (£150) achieved 8% growth after falling sharply for more than a year.

The three largest markets for Swiss watch industry exports posted much stronger growth than the global average.

Hong Kong (up 35.7%) and the US (26.3%) saw their strongest monthly advance for six years. China (up 21.7%) also exceeded the 20% growth mark despite an unfavourable base effect.

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