The Swiss economy benefited from strong expansion in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry in the second quarter of 2024. The weak economy in Europe, on the other hand, is a drag. + Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox In the period from April to June 2024, real gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.5% on an adjusted basis compared to the previous quarter, which was "slightly above average", as announced by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) on Tuesday. GDP had grown by 0.3% in each of the previous two quarters. Weak industry in Europe According to the Seco figures, value added in the manufacturing sector, i.e. in traditional industry, grew at an above-average rate of +2.6% in the second quarter. The chemical and pharmaceutical industry in particular (+8.4%) achieved strong quarterly growth thanks to the dynamic development of exports. + Who benefits from Swiss free trade agreements? "The Swiss sector mix with the strong pharmaceutical ...
