Exports of Swiss watches to the US recorded an explosive increase in April, marking jumping 149.2% Compared to the corresponding period last year, amid fears about US duties, the Federation of watchmaking announced today.

Given its trade surplus with the US, Switzerland was imposed on 31% of Donald Trump’s government before their implementation for 90 days were suspended, raising great concerns about the watchmaking that it must produce its watches in Switzerland so that it can be able to bring it to Switzerland.

These fears led to ‘Excellent increase in US missions“, The Federation of watchmakers said in a statement.

The missions jump to the US gave a boost to total watches for April, up 18.2% in all markets to 2.5 billion Swiss francs (2.7 billion euros).

Without mass missions to the US, watches would record a “6.4%reduction” in April, the Federation of watchmakers said, referring to a “mixed trend” in other markets.

In April, exports rose 1.6% to the United Kingdom, 4.8% to France and 1.9% to Japan, but decreased in other major markets in Asia, falling 30.5% to China and 22.8% to Hong Kong.

The US is an important market for Swiss watchmakers. Last year, their exports there stood at 4.37 billion Swiss francs, a 5%increase, which contributed to offsetting the reduction in Chinese demand for luxury products.

The Swiss watchmakers recorded four years of strong growth in the US, a market that surpassed China and Hong Kong in 2021 to become their main export destination.

US duties therefore cause great concern in the industry. Switzerland, however, seeks to negotiate with Washington.

In mid-May, Confederation President Karin Keller-Sutter and Economy Minister Guy Parmelen met in Geneva with US Finance Minister Scott Bessed and US Representative (USTR) Jameson Green on the sidelines of the trade at the sidelines.