Swiss industrial production grew moderately in Q1

According to the report from Federal Statistical Office (FSO), industrial production rose by 0.8% in the 1st quarter 2020 in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier. At –0,4%, turnover declined for the first time in three years. The negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted on the results of February and March. 

In comparison with the previous year industrial production grew in January by 3.0%, in February by 0.1%, then fell in March (–1.9%). For the whole of the 1st quarter 2020 production increased by 0.8% in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier.

Construction production increased by 4.1% in the 1st quarter 2020 in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier. Production declined by 0.5% in building, civil engineering in contrast registered an increase (+5.7%). Lastly, specialised construction activities registered an increase of 6.4% in their production.

Industrial turnover in January rose by 0.7% in comparison with the previous year, it fell in February (–1.9%) as well as in March (–4.4%). For the whole of the 1st quarter 2020 in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier, turnover registered a decline of 1.3%.

Construction turnover rose by 4.0% in 1st quarter 2020 in comparison with the same quarter a year earlier. Turnover rose by 1.2% in building, civil engineering registered an increase of 6.2%, specialised construction activities an increase of 6.0%.