Swiss watch exports to the U.S. spiked again last month as brands and retailers moved to stock up in the key market ahead of tariffs slapped on imported goods from Switzerland. Exports of watches and movements to the U.S. jumped 45% to CHF 555 million by value in July compared to a year ago, the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry said in a statement. The unusual surge in exports to the biggest single market for Swiss watches continues a volatile pattern created by surprise import levies imposed by the Trump administration on its biggest trading partners that has prompted a 24% gain in Swiss watch exports to the U.S. in 2025. While other key watch-making regions and nations, including the European Union and Japan, were hit with 15% tariffs, the White House imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss goods on August 1, excluding gold and pharmaceuticals, after efforts by Swiss politicians and business leaders failed to win a better deal. That’s the highest tariff level the U.S. has initiated on an industrialized country, as the 39% levy came into effect on August 7.
