Swiss watch exports fell sharply in May after an April sales spike, as the global market corrected itself following a tariff-avoiding rush by U.S. buyers.
🕰️ Total exports dropped 10% YoY to CHF 2.09 billion ($2.56B)
🇺🇸 U.S. shipments down 25% (CHF 268.2M / $328.1M)
🇨🇳 China fell 17%
🇯🇵 Japan dipped 11%
🇭🇰 Hong Kong declined 13%
💬 The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry blamed a “boomerang effect” from April’s 150% U.S. surge.
🇦🇪 UAE was the only top 12 market to grow in May—but it’s still on a YTD downtrend.
⌚ Mid-range watches (CHF 500–3,000 / $612–$3,670) were the only segment to rise (+0.2%)
❌ High-end watches (>CHF 3,000) down 11%
❌ Entry-level watches (CHF 200–500) down 14%
❌ Below CHF 200 watches down 10%
📅 Jan–May exports rose 1.1% to CHF 10.76B ($13.16B), but the federation warns actual sales aren’t keeping pace.