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Swiss watch exports

August 2001




In July 2001 Swiss watch exports reversed the decreasing trend observed at the end of the year's first semester. Exports of Swiss watches rose to 978.0 million Swiss francs, an increase of 14.9% compared to July 2000. Also, the number of timepieces rose by 10.5%.

In value terms, 18 carat gold rose by 23.5% and platinum by 66.1%. Plastic articles rose in favor to reach 20.0% in volume and 38.3% in value.
At the end of July 2001,the United States remained the first import country for Swiss watchmaking articles, with 918.8 million Sfr. (-6.2%), followed by Hong Kong with 868.3 million Sfr (+8.9%). The ranking of other countries is as follows: Japan (628.9 million Sfr., + 19.0%), Italy (479.5 million Sfr., + 1.6%), Germany (420.8 million Sfr., +7.1%), France (407.1 million Sfr., + 20.8%).