Exports: Swiss SMEs want to take off
According to a survey by Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), SMEs want to really take off in the export market in the second half of the year and benefit from the economic recovery after the pandemic.
The Swiss export industry is heading for an export boom. After the majority of companies already expected a positive development at the beginning of the year, the trend has been consolidated: 67% of all Swiss SMEs also expect rising exports for the 2nd half of 2021, according to Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) and Credit Suisse (CS) write. The level is almost on a par with the record years of 2018 and 2019. The companies surveyed are relying on a wide range of measures to overcome the crisis. The focus is on opening up new sales markets - 44% of the SMEs are planning to open up new export markets in the second half of the year. The companies surveyed most frequently mentioned China, Russia, Indonesia, the Scandinavian countries and Great Britain.
CS export barometer has reached record level
The Credit Suisse export barometer has already reached the record mark, according to data. At 3.1 points, it is at its highest level since records began. At the same time, however, the effects of the pandemic are becoming apparent: 70% of Swiss SMEs reported a drop in sales in their international business due to Corona. Restricted travel and the disruption of supply chains were the biggest challenges for the majority of SMEs.
Andreas Gerber, Head of Corporate Clients at Credit Suisse, says: "Global industry, and therefore also Swiss SMEs, are benefiting from the fact that consumers had more money available to buy goods during the crisis because the restrictions mainly affected the service sector. While the boom in industry is likely to continue, we expect demand in the services sector to pick up significantly with the upcoming easing."
Alberto Silini, Head of Consulting at S-GE, states: "Swiss SMEs now want to take off internationally - to stay ahead in the upcoming global recovery phase and to tap into new markets and market shares. Our advice is to learn the lessons of the crisis, develop a long-term international strategy and prepare well for the respective market entries. Because the new normal after the pandemic also holds many economic and political uncertainties."
For more information on the SME export outlook for the 2nd half of 2021, please refer to the brochure here or for download under: www.s-ge.com/exportperspektiven.
