Swiss Watch Exports Regain Momentum as Chinese Demand Grows
- Shipments to Hong Kong continue upward trend as U.K. rallies
- 2017 forecast ‘one of prudent optimism,’ industry group says
Swiss watches sit on display inside a Unique Timepieces store, in Hong Kong.
Photographer: Billy H.C. Kwok/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Swiss watch exports gained for a third time in four months as Chinese demand strengthened and the U.K. attracted buyers with its weak currency.
Shipments climbed 5.3 percent to 1.7 billion francs ($1.8 billion) in June, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry said in a statement Thursday that underpinned signs of a rebound from the longest slump on record. Exports to China increased 12 percent. Hong Kong, the industry’s biggest market, rose 4.6 percent for the second consecutive month of gains.