Gross domestic product in the third quarter of 2023: Swiss economy grows moderately

Bern, 01.12.2023 - Switzerland's GDP adjusted for sporting events grew at a below-average rate (+0.3%) in the third quarter of 2023, following a slight decline in the previous quarter (−0.1%).* The international environment remains challenging, with value added in industry stagnating accordingly. However, the service sector was once again able to provide a support.

After a negative second quarter, value added in manufacturing (−0.0%) has virtually not fallen any further in the third quarter. As a result of dynamic exports and sales, value added in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry in particular rose (+1.2%). This sector of Swiss industry is generally not very sensitive to the business cycle. By contrast, the more cyclically sensitive industrial sectors, such as mechanical engineering and metal construction, saw only modest growth in the third quarter. These sectors are increasingly feeling the impact of flagging international demand. Nevertheless, goods exports** grew strongly in the third quarter (+6.2%), also supported by merchanting.

Developments in the service sectors varied in the third quarter. Value added grew in health and social care services (+0.7%) and trade (+1.1%). The transport and communication sector also saw moderate growth (+0.3%): the increase in passenger transport was offset by a slowdown in goods transport as a result of subdued industrial development. On the other hand, business-related services registered a dip (−0.1%). The accommodation and food services sector (−3.7%) also recorded a decline, the first in over two years. Overall, the development of the services sector remained below the historical average. This is in line with the weak development of services exports*** (+0.4%) and continued low domestic final demand (−0.0%).

Government consumption (+0.5%) was the only domestic demand component to record substantial growth in line with the historical average. In contrast, private consumption (+0.2%) grew only moderately. In particular, the warmest September on record was accompanied by a significantly lower demand for heating; other areas of consumption developed heterogeneously. Construction investment (+0.2%) was weak; value added in the construction industry (−0.3%) fell slightly due to declining sales in building construction. Investments in equipment (−1.1%) fell for the second consecutive quarter. Although investment in research and development, electronic goods and vehicles increased, less was invested in most other categories.

Imports**** of goods and services (+0.7%) grew only modestly, in line with the weak domestic demand. In view of the stronger rise in exports, foreign trade made a clearly positive overall contribution to GDP growth in the third quarter.

Note:
The Swiss National Bank introduced a new current account survey as of the first quarter of 2023.***** It is possible that the data available for the third quarter will be revised to a greater extent than usual at a later date. Data items from the current account are used at various points in calculating the Swiss National Accounts. Therefore, the possibility of greater revisions than usual over the coming quarters cannot be ruled out.

Further information on GDP in the third quarter can be found in the winter 2023/2024 edition of Konjunkturtendenzen at www.seco.admin.ch/gdp.

* To facilitate cyclical interpretation, this press release provides quarter-on-quarter growth rates in real terms, seasonally adjusted and (where applicable) adjusted for sporting events. The adjustment for sporting events concerns GDP, the 'arts, entertainment and recreation' sector, and service exports and imports. Further information on the adjustment for sporting events can be found at www.seco.admin.ch/gdp under 'Documents'. Not adjusted for sporting events: +0.3% in the third quarter of 2023 and −0.1% in the second quarter of 2023.
** Goods excluding valuables.
*** Not adjusted for sporting events: +1.5%.
**** Excluding valuables.
***** https://data.snb.ch/de/topics/aube/doc/changerev_aube#rev_aube_nlbe .

Address for enquiries

State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Holzikofenweg 36
CH-3003 Bern
Tel. +41 58 462 56 56
medien@seco.admin.ch