What was the change in prices in August 2026?

According to official data published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on 14 September 2026, the total index of producer and import prices recorded an increase of 0.7% compared to July 2026. This increase brought the index to a level of 100.4 points, based on the month of December 2025 set at 100. Despite this monthly growth, the comparison on an annual basis shows that the price level decreased by 0.7% compared to August 2025.

Which sectors drove the monthly rise in the index?

The 0.7% increase recorded in August 2026 was mainly driven by petroleum products, chemicals, crude oil and natural gas. Specifically, for producer prices, increases were noted for pharmaceutical preparations, raw milk, pork and pigs for slaughter. On the import front, higher prices were also recorded for vegetables, potatoes, green coffee, paper and paper products, as well as plastics in primary forms.

Were there any products that recorded a decrease in prices?

Yes, despite the general increase, the UST reported price declines in some specific areas. With regard to domestic production, a decrease was observed for basic pharmaceuticals, other chemical products and electricity destined for large consumers. With regard to the import index, compared to July 2026, there was a significant drop in computer prices, offering a partial counterweight to energy and chemical increases.

Production and import prices: +0.7% in August 2026

By Marco Ferrari (editorial byline of the newsroom, AI-generated text) · Published on 14 September 2026 · Updated on 21 October 2026

The Swiss Federal Statistical Office in Neuchâtel, source of national economic data.

The producer and import price index rises to 100.4 points in August 2026. On an annual basis, there is a decrease of 0.7% according to UST data.

Context

In brief

Producer and Import Price Index: +0.7% compared to July 2026
Index level: 100.4 points (base Dec. 2025 = 100)
Annual decrease: -0.7% compared to August 2025
Data published on September 14, 2026, by the FSO

Key facts

Publication date: September 14, 2026
Monthly variation: 0.7%
Index value: 100.4
Annual variation: -0.7%
Data source: FSO

Neuchâtel, September 14, 2026. The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) has released updated data on producer and import price trends in Switzerland. The official press release, dated September 14, 2026, reveals that in August 2026, the total producer and import price index recorded an increase of 0.7% compared to the previous month. This increase brings the index level to 100.4 points, using December 2025 as the reference base, set at 100 points.

Market dynamics

The monthly rise was primarily driven by specific industrial and energy sectors. FSO data show a particular increase in the prices of petroleum products, chemical products, as well as those related to crude oil and natural gas. Specifically, the increase in the producer price index compared to the previous month is mainly due to higher prices for petroleum products and pharmaceutical preparations. Price increases were also observed for slaughter pigs, pork, raw milk, rubber and plastic products, as well as plastics in primary forms.

However, the picture is not uniformly positive for costs. The FSO reports a decrease in the prices of basic pharmaceutical products, other chemical products, and electricity for large consumers. On the import side, compared to July 2026, the import price index recorded higher prices especially for petroleum products, organic products of the chemical industry, crude oil, and natural gas. Increases were also recorded for plastics in primary forms, vegetables, melons and potatoes, rubber and plastic products, inorganic products of the chemical industry, other chemical products, paper and paper products, and green coffee. Conversely, a drop in computer prices was observed.

On a trend level, the situation shows stabilization. Compared to August 2025, the price level of the total supply of domestic and imported products fell by 0.7%. This figure indicates that, despite the monthly inflationary push, national price pressure remains below the level recorded a year ago. Full results and further information on the subject can be found on the FSO website, which is the official source for these crucial economic indicators for the Swiss economy. For those operating in the manufacturing or commercial sector, monitoring these variations is essential for planning profit margins and procurement strategies at a sustainable cost of living.

Operational details

Trends in producer and import prices have direct repercussions on the cost structure of Swiss companies and, indirectly, on households’ purchasing power. With an index standing at 100,4 points and a monthly change of 0,7%, a picture emerges of energy and raw material costs rising slightly, a critical factor for national industrial competitiveness.

Impact on business costs

For companies operating in Switzerland, the increase in prices of petroleum products and natural gas directly affects operating costs. The UST specified that electricity for large consumers saw a decline in prices, a factor that could offer partial relief to energy-intensive industries. However, the pressure on chemicals and plastics in primary forms suggests higher production costs for the manufacturing sector. This scenario affects companies’ ability to maintain stable margins, potentially prompting them to review procurement strategies or pass part of the costs on to final consumers.

For workers and households, the negative annual change of 0,7% compared with August 2025 is reassuring. It indicates that core inflation is not accelerating, which helps preserve real purchasing power. This stability is essential for household planning, especially in a context where the cost of living in Switzerland remains high. Households can count on contained inflationary pressure over the long term, even though monthly fluctuations require attention when managing the monthly budget, especially for expenses related to essential goods such as food and energy.

Specific sectors and trends

The decline in computer prices and the increase in those of vegetables and potatoes highlight significant sectoral divergences. For technology companies, lower hardware component costs can improve margins. For the agri-food sector, however, the increase in prices of agricultural raw materials requires greater attention to managing processing costs. The increase in prices of pharmaceutical preparations, offset by the decline in basic pharmaceutical products, suggests a differentiated market where innovation and generics follow different trajectories. These dynamics are constantly monitored by the UST to ensure transparency and accuracy in national economic data, supporting political and business decisions throughout the country, from the Cantons to major cities such as Zurich and Geneva. Understanding these nuances is crucial for navigating the labor market and managing personal finances, regularly consulting payslips to verify the net impact on disposable incomes.

Useful tools for planning

To estimate your pension strategy, try pension planner and pillar 3 simulator.

Key points

To best manage the economic implications arising from changes in producer and import prices, it is essential to adopt a proactive approach to financial planning. The FSO data, published on September 14, 2026, provide a solid basis for reviewing your spending and investment strategies.

Personal verification procedure

First step: assess the impact on your fixed costs. If you work in a sector exposed to energy or raw materials, analyze your supply contracts. A 0,7% increase in the general index can translate into significant changes in utility costs. Second step: monitor the cost of living. Compare the prices of basic consumer goods, such as food and energy, with previous periods. The FSO reports specific changes for vegetables, potatoes and petroleum products; keep these indicators in mind when shopping or planning trips.

Third step: review your pension arrangements. Even though inflation is contained (annual decrease of 0,7%), preserving capital requires attention. Check that your pension plans, including the LPP pension fund and the 3rd pillar, are adequate to protect purchasing power in the long term. Excellent step: consult official data. Visit the FSO website regularly for monthly updates. Do not base your decisions on unverified sources. For those seeking to optimize their tax and employment situation, digital tools can help simulate the impact of salary and price changes on net income. For example, a professional whose production costs increase may need to renegotiate their compensation or consider opportunities to move into more stable sectors.

Useful tools for management

For a complete overview of your financial situation, it is advisable to use dedicated calculation tools. These make it possible to estimate the effect of price changes on your household budget and plan any savings. Bear in mind that changes in producer prices may take months to be fully reflected in consumer prices. Therefore, medium-term planning is often more effective than immediate reactions. If you operate as a merchant or craftsperson, consider diversifying your sources of supply to mitigate the risk of high costs for specific raw materials such as plastics or chemical products. To learn more about your tax and pension situation, we invite you to use our salary calculator to estimate your net income, taking into account current market conditions and any salary changes that could result from this economic scenario.

Source: admin.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the change in prices in August 2026?: According to official data published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) on 14 September 2026, the total index of producer and import prices recorded an increase of 0.7% compared to July 2026. This increase brought the index to a level of 100.4 points, based on the month of December 2025 set at 100. Despite this monthly growth, the comparison on an annual basis shows that the price level decreased by 0.7% compared to August 2025.
Which sectors drove the monthly rise in the index?: The 0.7% increase recorded in August 2026 was mainly driven by petroleum products, chemicals, crude oil and natural gas. Specifically, for producer prices, increases were noted for pharmaceutical preparations, raw milk, pork and pigs for slaughter. On the import front, higher prices were also recorded for vegetables, potatoes, green coffee, paper and paper products, as well as plastics in primary forms.
Were there any products that recorded a decrease in prices?: Yes, despite the general increase, the UST reported price declines in some specific areas. With regard to domestic production, a decrease was observed for basic pharmaceuticals, other chemical products and electricity destined for large consumers. With regard to the import index, compared to July 2026, there was a significant drop in computer prices, offering a partial counterweight to energy and chemical increases.