Switzerland’s KOF Economic Barometer dropped to 96.1 in March 2026, the lowest level since June 2025, down from a revised 103.8 in February and below expectations of 102. The weaker outlook is reflected across both the production and demand components of the barometer, with manufacturing and external demand indicators showing particularly sharp declines. Within the producing sector, which includes manufacturing and construction, most business activity indicators point to deterioration, especially those related to exports, overall business conditions, and order backlogs, all of which remain under pressure. Sentiment in manufacturing is broadly negative. While indicators for food and beverages show slight improvement, those for machinery and equipment, the electrical sector, metals, and paper and printing are weakening more significantly.
