After a decline in the previous year, foreign trade grew again in 2016, with the development of chemical-pharmaceutical products. Exports rose by 3.8% (real: - 0.8%) to a record high of CHF 210.7 billion. However, the two other major divisions - machines and electronics as well as watches - were unable to participate in the growth. Imports increased by 4.1% (real: + 1.2%) to CHF 173.2 billion. The surplus in the trade balance reached a new record (37.5 billion francs). Exports expanded by 3.8% (real: - 0.8%) to CHF 210.7 billion in 2016, which means that, they reached a new peak.