Almost three quarters of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the machinery, electrical equipment and metals (MEM) industry consider their current business situation to be unfavourable. They are weighed down by weak demand, the strong franc and uncertainty. Swissmechanic’s business climate index for SMEs in the MEM industries remained clearly in the red in April, at around -30 points, the technology industry’s umbrella association reported on Wednesday in its regular survey. The situation has persisted since the end of 2023. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The lack of orders remains the main concern for the majority of companies (60%). This is followed by pressure from exchange rate fluctuations (41%) and rising energy prices (23%), two challenges that have become significantly more important for SMEs since January 2026. The shortage of skilled labour only comes fourth (22%). Many businesses are also experiencing increasing pressure on their margins.