Exports of pharmaceuticals and chemicals, the country's biggest export category, rose 10.8 percent, while machines and electronic devices rose 4.6 percent and watch exports were up 2.3 percent.
With the exception of Africa (-22 percent), shipments increased to all continents. Sales to the United States grew 28 percent, to Asia were up by 3.1 percent and exports to the European Union rose 14 percent (Euro Area, +8.7 percent).
When adjusted for seasonal factors, exports fell by 7.6 percent and the trade surplus narrowed to 1.7 billion francs in April from 1.9 billion francs in March, the office said.