Watch exports were up 21 percent to 1.76 billion francs during the month, while jewellery exports jumped 56 percent to 697 million francs.

However, chemicals -- the biggest export sector, was down 1.8 percent during the month to 5.89 billion francs.

Likewise machinery also posted a drop of 3.3 percent in exports to 3.07 billion francs.

Overall imports meanwhile rose 0.7 percent to 14.8 billion francs, led by a 21.8 percent jump in demand for energy products.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011