Swiss trade surplus rises on watch exports

GENEVA – Agence France-Presse

Switzerland’s trade surplus reached 2.7 billion francs ($3.0 billion) in February, up from the 1.6 billion francs in January, with the watch industry leading export growth. Watch exports were up almost a fifth, reaching 1.6 billion francs for the month, with demand from Hong Kong strongest -up 23.7 percent.

Overall exports rose 1.3 percent to 16.7 billion francs compared to the same month in 2011 due to the extra working day in February this year.