Swiss machine and engineering industry reports continued decline with 2.2% drop in sales and 4.5% fall in orders, leading to 3,100 job losses amid challenging global market conditions.
"And with the US tariff hammer of August 1, our industry had to take another heavy blow."
The Swiss machinery and engineering sector is grappling with a persistent downturn that has significantly impacted its performance. The industry, known for its precision engineering and quality manufacturing, has been experiencing a continuous decline for nine consecutive quarters, marking one of its most challenging periods in recent history. This prolonged slump reflects both global economic uncertainties and specific challenges facing Swiss manufacturers.
The second quarter of 2025 has revealed concerning trends in the Swiss machinery sector. Sales recorded a 2.2% decline compared to the same period last year, while incoming orders fell by 4.5%. More alarmingly, the order volume experienced a sharp 13% drop compared to the first quarter of 2025, indicating an accelerating slowdown in industry activity. These figures, reported by Swissmem, paint a picture of increasing pressure on the sector's financial health.
The industry's downturn has had significant implications for employment, with approximately 3,100 jobs lost in the sector. The current workforce stands at 324,600 employees, reflecting the challenging adjustments companies are making to cope with reduced demand. This reduction in employment highlights the human cost of the industry's struggles and raises concerns about the sector's ability to maintain its skilled workforce.
The implementation of new US tariffs, reaching 39%, has emerged as a critical challenge for the Swiss machinery sector. As highlighted by Swissmem President Martin Hirzel, these 'horrendous US tariffs' threaten to 'massively exacerbate' the existing industrial recession. The timing of these tariffs, coming during an already difficult period, has added significant pressure on Swiss exporters and their competitive position in the global market.
In response to these challenges, Swissmem is actively calling for government intervention and support. The association is advocating for swift domestic measures, including reduced bureaucracy, to improve conditions for the export industry and protect jobs. While the immediate outlook remains challenging, particularly with the new US tariffs in place, the industry is focusing on strategic adaptations and policy reforms to navigate through this difficult period.