SME Export Outlook Q2 2017

Confident Start to Q2 2017

Apr 13, 2017 08:00 AMSina Pries

Export-oriented Swiss SMEs are viewing the second quarter of 2017 positively. According to the latest survey on export sentiment by Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), half of SMEs expect exports to rise. The confidence stretches across all sectors. The Credit Suisse Export Barometer has more than doubled in comparison to its prior-year level, suggesting dynamic export growth in the months to come. Growth momentum is to be expected particularly from the USA and Europe. The USA has posted the strongest growth of all export destinations of Swiss SMEs over the past six months. The USA also comes top among the new markets to be developed. SMEs are displaying little fear of possible protectionist measures.

As Sascha Jucker, Credit Suisse economist, says: “The positive development expectations are largely thanks to the upturn in industrial production in the USA and Europe. Emerging markets such as the BRIC countries are set only to make a small contribution to export growth despite the fact that industrial production in China should now have bottomed out.”

Alberto Silini, Head of Consulting at Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), adds: “Although many exporting SMEs are still suffering from high margin pressure, the signs in export are pointing to growth again. This gives us hope that SMEs will not be discouraged and will continue to seek their opportunities throughout the world as many still need to reduce the cluster risk that the European markets pose for their export portfolios.”

Video statements on current export sentiment by Sascha Jucker, Credit Suisse economist, and Alberto Silini, Head of Consulting at Switzerland Global Enterprise: