Switzerland’s planned trade upgrade with China would put 99.8% of Swiss exports under duty-free terms, expanding access amid a wider shift toward trade barriers, Reuters reported.
Under existing terms, a little more than half of Swiss exports had duty-free access in China. The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) said the revision aims to address imbalances in the original accord and improve access for Swiss exporters. Chinese industrial goods would receive no additional tariff benefits, SECO said.
Three Western diplomats told Reuters they viewed the agreement as an opportunity for Beijing to strengthen its open-trade credentials while President Donald Trump’s administration retreats from multilateral engagement. Reuters reported that Swiss exports faced U.S. tariffs of 39% for several months before a provisional deal in November 2025 lowered the rate to 15%.
Some people familiar with the matter told Reuters they were concerned the pact could make Switzerland a route for Chinese products entering Europe as European companies face stronger competition from China. The Swiss government said it did not expect the agreement to affect goods trade with the European Union, the United States or other partners. Senior Swiss trade official Roger Gschwend said Switzerland has not served as an important transit point for Chinese goods and he does not expect that to change.
The debate comes alongside separate EU-China talks over market access. China’s Ministry of Commerce said an Oct. 8-9 meeting covered trade and investment balances, export controls and World Trade Organization reform, as EconoTimes previously reported on the consultations.
Some Swiss industry representatives welcomed the accord, Reuters reported. Nicola Tettamanti, owner of Tecnopinz, a maker of factory-machine components, expects demand for the company’s products in China to rise. He also said watchmakers and robotics firms could benefit.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Chinese President Xi Jinping are due to sign the updated accord in Beijing Friday, Oct. 30. Swiss and Chinese officials announced the plan in August, Reuters reported.
