Swiss GDP grew more than expected in the third quarter

The Federal Statistical Office said that Switzerland’s GDP grew by 7.2 % in the 3rd quarter of 2020, after decreasing by a total of 8.6 % in the first half of the year. Economists had expected a 5.9% increase.

Domestic demand and parts of the service sector recovered significantly, while international developments had an adverse impact on exports.

In the 3rd quarter, Switzerland’s GDP grew vigorously, making up around three quarters of the ground lost in the first half of the year. GDP therefore still stands at some 2 % below the precrisis level at the end of 2019. Compared with neighbouring countries, the Swiss economy has made it through the coronavirus crisis relatively unscathed so far.

Following the gradual easing of the coronavirus measures, private consumption (+11. 9%) recovered significantly in the 3rd quarter, as expected. Various consumer sectors that were unavailable or difficult to access during the lockdown came back on stream. Investment in equipment (+8.8 %) and investment in construction (+5.1 %) also expanded considerably once more. As expected, final domestic demand registered record growth of 8.9%, still falling short of its pre crisis level at the end of 2019 by around 2%. Imports of goods (+11.2 %) and services (+9.9 %) grew substantially in line with this.