Foreign trade

Switzerland owes its strength to an open and globally integrated economy.

The topics cover tariffs, rules of origin, technical trade barriers, services and investments. They are complemented by foreign investment protection and key cross‑cutting areas such as anti‑corruption and responsible corporate governance.

Open markets promote growth and innovation. As economic opportunities and security risks are becoming increasingly intertwined, export controls, investment screening and sanctions help to strike a balance between openness and protection.

As an open economy, Switzerland relies on strong bilateral economic relations. SECO’s country offices promote Switzerland’s economic and trade interests around the world and develop a network of partnerships that supports the competitiveness of the Swiss economy.

The Economic Cooperation and Development division implements Swiss economic and trade policy measures for the benefit of developing countries.

Switzerland relies on open markets. Through free trade agreements, it improves access to global markets and strengthens its competitiveness, whilst upholding environmental and labour standards.

Switzerland actively promotes an open, fair, and rules-based trading system, strengthening transparent trade rules and international cooperation through the WTO, the OECD, and new partnerships.

Switzerland is one of the most important locations for the international raw material industry. Companies cover a broad range of commodities and business activities and strengthen employment as well as the country’s economic performance.

Switzerland, through its foreign economic policy, contributes to sustainable development at home and abroad. It supports objectives in climate, environment, human rights, labour standards and responsible corporate governance.

Switzerland supports clear international rules in digital trade as an open economic and research hub. It promotes the free flow of data with strong data protection, legal certainty, and sustainable digitalization worldwide.