| |
|
|
The first half of the year was very satisfactory
for Swiss watchmakers. Over six months, the value of Swiss watch exports
was 5,006.1 million francs, i.e. an increase of 10.0% compared to January-June
2003. This result virtually makes up for last yearfs decline.
Following a disappointing January, in which month the negative trend of
2003 was still in evidence, good results began coming to the fore in February.
With an increase of 26.5%, the month of June exceeded the one billion
franc mark, exceeding for the first time a level reserved hitherto for
the final months of the year.
These very good results have a direct effect on forecasts for the year
2004, which can be raised by one or two points. The final level in that
case would more than wipe out the decline recorded in 2003. The United
States market is buoyant and should continue on a very positive trend,
followed probably by some Asiatic countries, particularly Japan. Watch
exports to Europe, however, will not show any improvement before 2005.
Products
Exports of finished watches followed the same trend during the first half
of 2004. Their value, at 4,560.8 million francs, showed an increase of
10.8%. The number of pieces exported was also very pleasing, with a rise
of 7.5%. This represents a level of 12.0 million units, or 835,000 more
than last year.
Practically all materials registered an increase, both in value and volume
terms. Gold watches saw their result increase by 8.3%, to 1.2 billion
francs. Among precious metals, platinum and silver timepieces recorded
a rise in excess of 25%. Steel, the leading material, also recorded a
very satisfying result, with +18.0%.
In terms of the number of pieces, Switzerland exported 740,000 steel watches
more than in January-June 2003 (+14.4%). The situation regarding aluminium
improved, however the rates of variation remain negative in volume terms:
-2.8%, or 50,000 fewer units.
Markets
In the first half of 2004, the fifteen main markets showed the following
trend (total value in million francs and % variation by comparison with
the first half of 2003):
| |
Country
|
Value in millions of Francs
|
% compared to 2003
|
|
1
|
USA |
837,8
|
+16,3%
|
|
2
|
Hong Kong |
771,0
|
+11,4%
|
|
3
|
Japan |
424,2
|
-6,3%
|
|
4
|
Italy |
338,3
|
+1,8%
|
|
5
|
France |
284,3
|
+1,5%
|
|
6
|
Germany |
246,5
|
-4,9%
|
|
7
|
United Kingdom |
244,1
|
-6,1%
|
|
8
|
Singapore |
210,4
|
+18,5%
|
|
9
|
Spain |
167,1
|
+18,1%
|
|
10
|
United Arab Emirates |
141,7
|
+34,7%
|
|
11
|
China |
128.9
|
+58,7%
|
|
12
|
Thailand
|
99,4
|
+6,5%
|
|
13
|
Taiwan |
95,5
|
+12,6%
|
|
14
|
Saudi Arabia |
79,6
|
+12,8%
|
|
15
|
Russia |
79,3
|
+14,8%
|
The United States reinforced its position as the leading market for Swiss
watch exports from January to June 2004. At 837.8 million francs, the
increase of +16.3% was well above the average. Consisting of successive
waves, their development shows a positive trend and is attaining very
high rates of growth, for example +38.5% in June.
While Japan, the third largest market, is showing signs of recovery, albeit
without yet registering a positive variation, the situation in Hong Kong
has changed very markedly since August 2003, in which month the negative
effects of SARS on watch Swiss exports were less noticeable. After an
excellent month of May, figures showed an exceptional rate of growth of
72.3% in June.
In Europe, the figures for Italy and France are positive once again, while
the United Kingdom continues its decline. Other main outlets on the world
stage recorded increases more often than not in two digits. China remains
at an excellent level.
|
|
