According to the report from Federal Statistical Office, in May 2019, the slowdown continued in both trading directions. For example, exports fell by 0.5 percent for the third time in succession. By contrast, imports grew by 0.9 percent. The trade balance showed a surplus of 1.7 billion francs compared to .1.9 billion francs in April.
In May 2019, exports recorded seasonally adjusted - 0.5 percent (real: - 1.2 percent) - the third monthly decline in a row. As a result, exports have tended to decline slightly overall since the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, imports increased by 0.9 per cent (in real terms: + 0.7 per cent), meaning that they have been on an upward trajectory since November 2018 - albeit now slowing. The surplus on the trade balance was 1.7 billion francs.