Geneva - Swiss watch
exports increased 14.2 per cent in February, compared to the same month last year, according to data released Thursday by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry. Wristwatches costing less than 500 francs (473 dollars) made up the great majority of the export figure, while mid level timepieces gained 45.9 per cent by value. The costliest pieces, running over 3,000 francs lagged, but the value gained 3.9 per cent.
The total value of exported Swiss timepieces rose to 1.2 billion francs.
Exports to the
United States were showing growth after over five quarters of negative figures. Other increases were noted throughout
Asia and the oil-rich parts of the Middle East, but in
Europe the expected stagnation in demand continued.
