Switzerland and China Expand Free Trade Deal, Slashing Tariffs on Swiss Imports

Switzerland and China are set to deepen their economic ties with an expanded free trade agreement, slated for signing later this year. The agreement aims to eliminate tariffs on 99.8% of Swiss imports into China, significantly boosting bilateral trade. This move follows negotiations between the Swiss Ministry of Economic Affairs and China's Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao.

China is a critical trading partner for Switzerland, ranking third after the EU and the United States. Previously, only half of Swiss exports benefited from tariff-free status in China. The new agreement not only facilitates smoother trade but also promises easier access for Swiss investors into the Chinese market. Furthermore, it extends coverage to include digital trade and services, reflecting the evolving nature of global commerce.

In 2025, Switzerland exported goods and services worth approximately 30 billion Swiss francs (around 32 billion euros) to China, representing 6.4% of its total exports. This made China the fourth most important destination for Swiss products, following Germany, the US, and the UK. Conversely, Chinese imports into Switzerland amounted to 21.6 billion francs (over 23 billion euros) in the same year, placing China sixth among Switzerland's import sources.