Swiss GDP fell less than forecast in the second quarter

According to the report from Federal Statistical Office, Switzerland’s GDP fell by –8.2 % in the 2nd quarter of 2020, after decreasing by 2.5% (revised) in the previous quarter. Domestic economic activity was severely restricted in the wake of the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it. The global economy also plunged into a sharp recession. However, Switzerland’s GDP decline remained limited in an international comparison. In the 2nd quarter, Switzerland’s GDP suffered the biggest decline since records of quarterly data began in 1980. Compared to the situation in the 4th quarter of 2019, before the coronavirus crisis, GDP slumped by a total of –10.5 % in the first half of 2020. However, the industry structure of the domestic economy helped keep the decline relatively mild in comparison with other countries.

The sizeable pharmaceutical industry increased its turnover, thereby preventing an even steeper slump in the total for manufacturing (–9.0 %). Nevertheless, the sectors that are sensitive to the economic situation such as machinery and metals, as well as precision instruments and watchmaking, had to endure severe setbacks due to the international economic crisis. Exports of goods (–9.4 %) dropped sharply in line with this.

In the 2nd quarter, the service sector was hit hardest by the health policy measures taken to contain the pandemic – value added suffered a widespread slump. However, in this sector too, the Swiss industry structure had a stabilising effect when compared to other countries. For example, value added in accommodation and food services (–54.2 %) and transport and communications (–21.7 %) plummeted. However, tourism-related services have a smaller share of GDP in Switzerland than in most neighbouring countries. Trade ( 3.6 %) also reported a comparatively minor dip in value added due to considerable growth in merchanting and relatively robust development in retail, even in light of the closure of catering businesses and travel restrictions. Finally, the healthcare sector (–8.6 %) and business-related services (–8.6 %) posted a severe decline. Exports of services (–15.9 %) also saw a correspondingly steep drop.

The health policy containment measures limited private consumption (–8.6 %). As a result of shop, bar and restaurant closures and other restrictions, particularly in healthcare and travel, spending nosedived in most consumer sectors. Alternative sales channels such as online retail were only partially able to offset the losses. Investment in construction (–4.0 %) and investment in equipment (–11.7 %) also contracted significantly, while government consumption grew only slightly (+0.2 %). Overall, final domestic demand (–7.4 %) recorded a historic decline and imports of goods3 (–14.3 %) and services (–22.2 %) slumped accordingly.