Meta turns to nuclear power to fuel AI growth
Meta is turning to nuclear power to meet its rising energy needs for artificial intelligence and computing.
Switzerland’s economy outperformed expectations in Q1 2025, driven by a surge in exports to the United States and strong growth in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
Switzerland’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.8% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous quarter, surpassing initial forecasts, according to final figures released by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
The seasonally and calendar-adjusted GDP growth follows a 0.6% expansion in Q4 2024. In May, SECO had forecast 0.7% growth for Q1 based on preliminary estimates.
A key contributor to the stronger-than-expected performance was a surge in Swiss exports to the United States. SECO noted: “Exports to the United States saw a sharp increase in the first quarter, possibly due to frontloading in response to U.S. trade policy.”
Swiss exports to the U.S. jumped by 17.4% from January to March compared to the final quarter of 2024 - far outpacing the 3.6% rise in overall exports. The chemical and pharmaceutical sectors also saw above-average growth during the period.
Tensions have risen in trade relations between Switzerland and the U.S. after the Trump administration imposed a 31% tariff on Swiss imports in April, though that rate was later reduced to 10% temporarily. The looming threat of tariffs led to a sharp appreciation of the Swiss franc and dampened investment activity.
The Swiss government is currently in talks with U.S. officials in an effort to prevent further escalation. With pharmaceuticals representing a cornerstone of the country’s export economy, Switzerland remains vulnerable to trade barriers in that sector.
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