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Swiss and Liechtenstein trade in services with foreign countries
SNB to expand its survey (serviceBOP project)  Background
The economies of Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein are strongly interconnected with the rest of the world. Foreign trade in goods is usually cited as evidence of this, since it is very well documented in statistical terms. There is, by contrast, a relative dearth of information about Swiss and Liechtenstein trade in services with foreign countries, although it represents a significant factor in the Swiss and Liechtenstein economies and has grown vigorously in the wake of globalisation. This has led to a shortage of information, since data on foreign trade in services are needed by companies, economic policymakers and public authorities as a basis for decision-making and by research institutions for analytical purposes.
Collection of data in connection with balance of payments statistics
Switzerland’s and Liechtenstein’s trade in services with foreign countries forms part of the balance of payments statistics compiled and published by the SNB (for further information on the balance of payments, cf. the annual and quarterly publications). The SNB’s system of data collection on foreign trade in services in place until the end of 2011 was not comprehensive enough. To close the gaps, the SNB expanded its survey through the serviceBOP project. From 2012, data for all service categories that are of relevance for Switzerland will be collected and compiled with a geographical breakdown. To make the data more representative, the reporting population has been expanded. With serviceBOP, companies and other economic agents will be able to gain a more comprehensive picture of developments in Swiss and Liechtenstein trade relations with regard to both imports and exports. Moreover, the SNB and the authorities in Switzerland and Liechtenstein will be able to base their assessments of the economic cycle and economic developments on a more complete set of data.
Introduction in Switzerland in 2012
In the first half of 2010, the SNB conducted a preliminary survey in Switzerland to select the companies that will, in future, be required to report data. The expanded survey was be introduced in Switzerland in 2012. To facilitate the conduct of the survey, the SNB has put a user-friendly online reporting system into operation.
Introduction in Liechtenstein in 2013
In the second half of 2011, the SNB conducted a preliminary survey in the Principality of Liechtenstein to select the companies that will, in future, be required to report data. The introduction of the expanded survey in Liechtenstein is scheduled for 2013.
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