On the export side, the stagnation of recent months has given way to a slightly upward trend: in May 2018, exports rose by a seasonally adjusted 0.9 percent. Meanwhile, imports rose at a pace of 3.8 per cent. In both directions, chemicals and vehicles accounted for 90 percent of development. The trade balance showed a surplus of 2.3 billion Swiss francs. Exports recorded an increase of 0.9 percent in May 2018 following stagnant months (real: - 0.0 percent). After flattening at the beginning of the year, imports were seasonally adjusted by 3.8 percent (real: + 3.1 percent). The surplus in the trade balance amounted to 2255 million chf.