Swiss Watch Trade Ticking Along Nicely

RAPAPORT Swiss-watch exports grew 5% in May amid stronger demand in greater China and the US. Global shipments of Swiss timepieces came to $1.82 billion (CHF 1.8 billion) for the month, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry reported last week Exports to Hong Kong leaped 26% year on year to $286.3 million (CHF 282.8 million), with shipments to China up 6% to $124.1 million (CHF 122.6 million) — a slower increase than April’s 11% Supply to the US continued to grow, climbing 10% to $1898 million (CHF 1875 million) for the month “Growth has slackened slightly since the beginning of the year, while remaining at a very high level,” the federation noted.

Exports advanced 10% in the first five months of 2018, with the sector recording double-digit year-on-year growth in January, February and April, and more modest increases in March and May. May was a strong month for exports of watches containing . Source