Currently, oil is being exported mainly through the north: the southern ports on the Gulf coast are operating far below capacity.

ECONOMIST: OPEC��s oil shock | The

Other products exported by Swiss watchmaking firms, mainly components, also experienced a sharp upturn in value (18.1 percent to 1.2 billion francs).

FORBES: Swiss Watch Exports Enjoy Record Growth In 2011

That is mainly because of the strength of sterling, which has raised the price of UK cars exported to EU countries who are members of the euro by 30%.

BBC: Renault car plant, Flins , France