Swiss watch exports rise 9.1% amid growing Asian demand

Swiss watch exports grew by 9.1% in value during August, marking the fourth consecutive month of growth. This increase brought the 12-month moving average into positive territory for the first time in two years, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.

The growth was primarily driven by rising demand in Asian markets, specifically China, Japan, and Singapore. Japan has emerged as the world’s second-largest export market for Swiss watches, with shipments valued at CHF 1.85 billion in 2025, overtaking China in the rankings.

In contrast, the United States saw a sharp decline in shipments, falling by 19.4%. Analysts suggest this drop may be due to tariff-related inventory movements and high comparison bases from previous periods. Despite the August uptick, experts warn that a single month of strong performance does not guarantee a sustainable recovery, noting that the luxury segment remains under pressure due to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty.