Summary
The overall index of producer and import prices rose by 0.8% in April 2026 compared to March and reached 100.5 points (base December 2025 = 100). Main drivers were higher prices for mineral oil products, crude oil and natural gas as well as metals and semi-finished metal products. In year-on-year comparison (April 2025 to April 2026), the price level fell by 2.0% however. The data comes from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Persons
- Federal Statistical Office (FSO) (Swiss statistical authority)
Topics
- Producer price index
- Import price index
- Raw material prices
- Swiss economy
Clarus Lead
The monthly price increase signals a recovery in raw material costs following energy price declines in previous months. Despite the monthly increase, the year-on-year change remains negative – an indication of continued price pressure in Swiss production. For companies with raw material dependency (energy, metal processing), this could signal margin effects in the second quarter of 2026.
Detailed Summary
The rise in the producer price index was primarily driven by mineral oil products. In parallel, costs for metals and semi-finished metal products, electrical equipment, metal products and watches increased. In the opposite direction, prices for raw milk fell, pointing to sector-specific differences in cost dynamics.
In the import price index, similar patterns emerged: Besides mineral oil products and energy carriers, prices rose for metals and semi-finished metal products as well as computers and peripheral devices. Price reductions occurred for medical and dental apparatus, furniture and machinery. The year-on-year change of –2.0% suggests that April 2025 had higher price bases – possibly due to energy price shocks from the previous year.
Key Findings
- Monthly index: +0.8% (March → April 2026)
- Annual index: –2.0% (April 2025 → April 2026)
- Main price drivers: Mineral oil products, metals, energy carriers
- Price declines: Raw milk, medical apparatus, furniture
Critical Questions
Data Base: How large is the FSO's sample for producer price surveys, and how representative are the surveyed sectors for the overall economy?
Energy Price Volatility: To what extent is the monthly value influenced by short-term fluctuations in international raw material markets, and how stable is the trend over three months?
Sectoral Divergence: Why are raw milk prices falling while metal products are rising – what market factors explain this divergence?
Inflation Impact: How does the monthly increase pass through to consumer prices, and with what time lag?
Source Directory
Primary Source: [Producer Price Index April 2026] – https://www.bfs.admin.ch/news/de/2026-0209
Verification Status: ✓ 12.05.2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 12.05.2026