2022
Swiss hotel industry: highly encouraging upturn in visitor numbers
(22.06.2022) The hotel sector experienced a sharp rebound during the winter of 2021/2022. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the industry recorded 14.6 million overnight stays. This represents a 54% increase in demand in all tourist regions compared with the previous year.
Slight decline in office real estate supply
(28.12.2022) The increase in employment since the end of the health crisis is boosting demand for office space. According to Credit Suisse's "Swiss Office Property Market 2023" study, however, supply is not shrinking as sharply as in previous economic upturns due to the trend for remote working.
Business situation gloomy
(28.12.2022) Swiss companies are facing a mixed year-end outlook. The KOF Business Situation Indicator, based on approximately 4,500 company reports, stood at 20.2 in November, down 7.7 points from October.
Hotels: foreign travelers make a strong comeback
(21.12.2022) The hotel industry posted encouraging results in summer 2022. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), 22.4 million overnight stays were recorded in Swiss accommodations between May and October 2022, an increase of 21.9% compared to summer 2021.
Growth forecasts revised downwards for 2023
(21.12.2022) With rising energy prices and sluggish foreign demand, the Swiss economy is experiencing a slight slowdown. According to the latest report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), growth in real terms is expected to reach 0.6% in 2023.
Construction: rising costs put pressure on margins
(14.12.2022) Construction continues to be stable in 2022. According to the Swiss Contractors' Association (SCA), industry sales reached CHF 6.2 billion in the third quarter. However, rising costs for materials and personnel are causing profit margins to fall.
Multinationals omnipresent in Switzerland
(14.12.2022) Almost a quarter of the country's workforce works for a multinational company. In 2021, more than 35,000 companies with a total of nearly 1.5 million jobs and sales of close to CHF 2,000 billion belonged to a multinational group, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
New bilateral agreement with the UK
(07.12.2022) A new bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom will be effective as of January 1, 2023. Different product categories will benefit from a simplified conformity assessment procedure.
Slowdown in the machinery industry
(07.12.2022) Concern is growing in the mechanical and electrical engineering industries (MEM) sector. According to the Swissmem trade association, orders fell by 12.4% in the third quarter. In comparison with the second quarter of 2022, incoming orders from abroad have declined by as much as 21.1%.
Non-standard employment affects younger generations most
(30.11.2022) Non-standard forms of employment have persisted in the Swiss labor market since 2020. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO, they account for 10% of employees. The rate is slightly higher among 15 to 24-year-olds and in certain elementary occupations.
Companies remain relatively inactive in terms of ecological change
(30.11.2022) Various factors are holding back companies from making ecological changes. According to the ERM Report 2022 published by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences (HSLU), 65% of the companies surveyed see costs as a major obstacle to reducing their environmental impact.
Automotive sector anticipates 2023 recovery
(23.11.2022) The automotive sector is expecting a slight improvement in the economy. According to forecasts by the BAK Institute and the Swiss Automobile Association (SAVV), the number of new vehicles on the road in 2023 will increase by 13.6% compared with 2022.
Hotel industry rebound hampered by energy costs
(23.11.2022) The winter is looking relatively positive for the Swiss accommodation sector. According to a survey by HôtellerieSuisse, more than 50% of establishments expect their sales to equal or exceed their pre-Covid levels. However, rising costs are curbing this trend.
Bankruptcies up in first 3 quarters
(16.11.2022) The first nine months of the year have proven tumultuous for Swiss companies. According to consulting firm Dun&Bradstreet, insolvencies rose by 23% in the first three quarters of 2022. On the other hand, company start-ups have fallen by 2%.
SMEs start to feel crunch from demand
(16.11.2022) Small and medium-sized companies are struggling to improve their business situation. According to a survey of 200 manufacturing companies, the Raiffeisen SME PMI stagnated at 50.0 points in October, corresponding to the borderline between expansion (>50) and contraction (<50).
Inflation spurs interest in promotional days
(09.11.2022) More and more consumers are considering taking advantage of discounts offered on Singles’ Day and Black Friday. According to a survey by the Swiss Retail Federation, nearly half of them are now more attentive to promotions because of rising prices.
Foreign trade up again in Q3
(09.11.2022) Switzerland's exports and imports set a new record in the third quarter of 2022. According to the Federal Office of Customs (FOC), the volume of exports rose by 1.3% compared to the previous quarter.
Inflation slows in Switzerland, but accelerates in the euro zone
(02.11.2022) After six months of inflation, the consumer price index (CPI) fell in September. The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) recorded a month-on-month decline of 0.2%. Europe-wide, the inflation rate reached 1.2% in the same period, according to Eurostat.
Watchmaking: moving more towards online and pre-owned
(02.11.2022) The outlook for the watch industry in 2022 is favorable. According to a study by consulting firm Deloitte, nearly 57% of executives in the sector expect good results this year, despite ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
Growth forecasts revised downward
(26.10.2022) The Swiss economy is likely to escape recession despite the economic turmoil. According to the KOF Swiss Economic Institute, gross domestic product (GDP) growth is expected to reach 2.3% in 2022 and 1% in 2023, before returning to normal at 1.7% in 2024.
Job market stabilizes at high level
(26.10.2022) The Swiss job market remains strong in the third quarter of 2022. The Swiss Job Market Monitor, published by the Adecco Group and the University of Zurich, confirms the stagnation trend observed since the beginning of the year with a 1% quarter-on-quarter increase.
Downward economic outlook this year
(19.10.2022) The Swiss Economic Institute's (KOF) barometer of the ETH Zurich points to a slowdown in the Swiss economy by the end of 2022. In September, the barometer stood at 93.8, an increase of 0.3 points from its revised value of 93.5 in August.
Switzerland remains world's most innovative economy
(19.10.2022) For the 12th year in a row, Switzerland is ranked first in the Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Sweden has fallen behind the United States (2nd) and is now in 3rd place.
Listed SMEs: SIX Swiss Exchange launches new segment
(12.10.2022) The Swiss stock exchange operator has developed a new listing segment for small and medium-sized companies via its digital platform SIX Digital Exchange (SDX). Called SDX SME Equity, it will give SMEs privileged access to the market.
Decline in demand for office real estate
(12.10.2022) The spread of telecommuting has resulted in a decrease in the need for commercial space. According to the Swiss Contractors' Association (SBV), the nationwide vacancy rate for office space is 5.4% (compared to 1.6% for residential buildings).
Late payments still rampant in Q1
(05.10.2022) Despite the end of the health crisis, companies are continuing to fail to pay their suppliers on time. According to a study by consulting firm Dun & Bradstreet, in the first half of 2022, 19% of B2B invoices were still late in being settled.
E-commerce faces economic uncertainty
(05.10.2022) The end of health restrictions has only moderately impacted online business. According to a study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), only 28% of companies experienced a decline in sales between May and August 2022.
Succession planning is rare among entrepreneurs
(28.09.2022) Every entrepreneur should include succession planning as part of their business strategy. However, a study conducted by the University of St. Gallen (HSG) and Credit Suisse shows that in almost 80% of cases, the motivation for a handover is still health or age.
SME Forum in favor of debt relief for individuals
(28.09.2022) The SME Forum, an extra-parliamentary commission, has approved the draft revision of the Swiss Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Law (LP). It believes that the measures proposed by the Federal Council will positively impact entrepreneurship and the economy.
SME morale at its lowest since beginning of year
(21.09.2022) Small and medium-sized companies are facing an increasingly uncertain economic environment. Following the downward trend that began in June, the Raiffeisen PMI-SME index, which surveys around 200 manufacturing companies, stood at 50.6 in August and is close to the contraction zone (<50).
GDP: growth continues but slows in Q2
(21.09.2022) Post-pandemic recovery continued in Q2 2022 thanks to an increase in consumption and production. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.3%, signaling a slight slowdown compared to the first quarter of 2022 (+0.5%), according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Economy at two-year low
(14.09.2022) The Swiss economy is heading for a difficult period. In August, ETH Zurich’s KOF Swiss Economic Institute’s barometer dropped to 86.5, 4 points below the 90.5 recorded in July. This figure is significantly below the long-term average (100).
MEM industries: uncertainty grows despite good results
(14.09.2022) The mechanical, electrical engineering and metals (MEM) industries are concerned about the coming months. While sales rose by 12.1% in the first half of the year, rising production costs and energy shortages threaten this growth, according to the latest report from the Swissmem organization.
Business Transformation: Swiss companies can do better
(07.09.2022) Just 9% of Swiss companies are exploiting their full potential, according to a study conducted by the University of Lucerne (HSLU) and the Swiss Association for Organization and Management (SGO), which assesses companies' performance in business transformation.
Construction: workplace accidents down
(07.09.2022) Occupational accidents continue to decline in the overall construction sector. In 2021, the Swiss Contractors' Association (SCA) reported fewer than 26,000 cases - a drop of almost 25% compared to 20 years ago.
Automobiles: sales down, despite growth in electric vehicles
(31.08.2022) The automotive market is subject to the vagaries of global supply chains. In July, fewer than 16,000 passenger cars were put on the road, a year-on-year decline of 19.4%, according to the industry association AutoSuisse.
Foreign trade reaches historic highs
(31.08.2022) Both imports and exports rose for the eighth consecutive quarter. According to the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security (FOCBS), the trade balance was +CHF 7.6 billion.
Replacement of payment slips on 30 September 2022
(25.07.2022) Invoice issuer should now switch to QR-bill or eBill as quickly as possible because, after 30 September 2022, no financial institution will process the red and orange payment slips anymore.
The economic situation is beginning to impact SMEs
(24.08.2022) After a favorable period in spring 2022, small and medium-sized companies are again facing a more uncertain economic outlook. The Raiffeisen SME PMI index stood at 52.8 in July, well below levels seen at the beginning of the year.
Bankruptcies up and business start-ups down
(24.08.2022) The number of bankruptcies in Switzerland continued to rise in the first half of 2022. According to consultancy firm Dun & Bradstreet, 2,310 companies filed for bankruptcy - up 20% compared to the same period in 2021. At the same time, the number of business start-ups has fallen by 4%.
Retail boosted by service stations
(17.08.2022) Swiss retailers have shown an encouraging performance. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the sector's sales grew by 3.2% in nominal terms between June 2021 and 2022.
Economic conditions continue to deteriorate
(17.08.2022) The Swiss economy has not shown any improvement so far. ETHZ’s KOF Swiss Economic Institute’s barometer stood at 90.1 in July 2022, 5.1 points lower than in June (95.2), and almost 10 points below the long-term average.
Swiss watch exports on the rise
(10.08.2022) The Swiss watchmaking sector has continued to record an increase in exports. According to statistics from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH), more than 7.2 million watches were sold abroad between January and June 2022.
Entrepreneurial spirit in Switzerland is increasing slightly
(10.08.2022) Swiss entrepreneurs are becoming more motivated again after the crisis. According to the latest report by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which was co-created with the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR), 13.4% of those surveyed in 2021 were planning to start an entrepreneurial venture within three years.
Swiss export industry: optimism still prevails
(03.08.2022) Swiss exports are expected to continue to grow in the second half of 2022. The Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) index, which measures the export expectations of Swiss SMEs, stands at 66.6 points, while the Credit Suisse export barometer is at 1.49.
Growth and inflation are central to Swiss companies' concerns
(03.08.2022) Despite the difficult economic climate, Swiss companies are pursuing growth. In the annual European Payment Report (EPR) 2022, published by credit manager Intrum, almost 71% of respondents identified growth as their top priority.
Job market remains in good shape
(27.07.2022) The Swiss labor market stabilized at a high level in Q2 2022. The Swiss Job Market Index, published by the Adecco Group and the University of Zurich, shows a slight quarter-on-quarter decline of 0.7%, but remains well above the levels observed in Q2 2021.
Artificial intelligence entices Swiss companies
(27.07.2022) Swiss companies are taking a keen interest in artificial intelligence (AI). The first Swiss AI report, published for the Swiss Artificial Intelligence Conference (AiCon), shows that almost four out of five companies have an AI strategy.
Machine industry plagued by cyber attacks
(20.07.2022) The machinery, electrical equipment and metals sectors are more prone to cyber attacks than ever before. A study by Swissmem and the Institute for Criminal Law and Criminology at the University of Bern showed that 70% of companies have been the victims of at least one cyber attack.
Swiss economy: outlook remains mixed
(20.07.2022) Switzerland's economy is heading for a difficult period. The KOF Swiss Economic Institute's barometer is continuing its downward trend and stood at 96.9 points in June 2022, down by 0.8 points compared to May and by 6 points compared to April.
Remote work returns to pre-pandemic levels among SMEs
(13.07.2022) Remote work is less favored by employers. A report from the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (FHNW) shows that after having risen to 38% during the first lockdown in 2020, the proportion of remote work positions fell to 12% at the beginning of 2022.
2022 growth forecasts remain optimistic
(13.07.2022) Despite uncertainties, the Swiss economy is expected to be robust. ETHZ's KOF Swiss Economic Institute predicts a 2.7% increase in GDP and continuing high levels of consumer spending, despite inflation hovering around 3%.
Hours worked set to return to 2019 levels
(06.07.2022) The total number of hours worked in Switzerland has risen. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), it increased by 2.5% between 2020 and 2021 to 7.798bn, approaching pre-pandemic levels (7.903 in 2019 and 7.857 in 2018).
Switzerland is in world’s top 3 for competitiveness
(06.07.2022) Once again, the Swiss economy has been recognized for its competitiveness. The country is ranked second, behind Denmark and ahead of Singapore, in the World Competitiveness Ranking by IMD business school in Lausanne.
Loans and online securities trading are popular
(29.06.2022) Internet-based crowdfunding set a new record in 2021. According to the Crowdfunding Monitor of the Lucerne University of Applied Science and Arts (HSLU), CHF 791.8 million was raised by this means, representing an increase of 31% compared to 2020.
Machine industry sees slight slowdown
(29.06.2022) The economic climate for SMEs in the machine industry remains positive. In the second quarter of 2022, the SME-MEM index of Swissmechanic and the economic research institute BAK stood at 25, although this was a more modest figure than in the first quarter (34).
Bundesrat trifft Richtungsentscheid für einen Schweizer Innovationsfonds
Content is available in German, French and Italian (22.06.2022) Der Bundesrat will den Standort Schweiz für Start-ups weiter stärken. Er hat am 22. Juni 2022 einen Richtungsentscheid zugunsten eines branchenneutralen Schweizer Innovationsfonds getroffen.
SMEs in good shape despite economic situation
(22.06.2022) Morale among small and medium-sized companies is high. Raiffeisen Bank's PMI-SME index, which surveys nearly 200 purchasing managers in Switzerland, remained at 59.1 in May, the same level as the previous month.
Almost 50% of Swiss population received continued education in 2021
(15.06.2022) Continuing education is very common among the Swiss. In 2021, 45% of respondents to the Federal Statistical Office's (FSO) Swiss Adult Education Survey had participated in such courses.
Bankruptcy cases on the rise in Switzerland
(15.06.2022) Bankruptcies continue to rise. Between January and April 2022, there were 1,448 bankruptcies, an increase of 15% compared to the same period in 2021, according to consultancy firm Dun & Bradstreet. Business start-ups are also becoming more cautious.
Industrial production and sales up in Q1
(08.06.2022) At the start of the year, all signs were on the up for Swiss industry. Production in the first quarter of 2022 rose by 7.9% year-on-year, according to figures from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Increasing numbers of 55-64-year-olds are working in Switzerland
(08.06.2022) People aged 55 to 64 in Switzerland are more active in the workforce than they were ten years ago. From 2011 to 2021, the Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS) showed a 5.9 point increase to 75.8% in the activity rate for this age group.
Workplace ambiance is a crucial criterion for millennials
(01.06.2022) For the younger generation, the most important aspect of a job search is the company atmosphere. According to a study in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria by the consulting firm EY, more than 60% of 18-40-year-olds in these countries are concerned about this.
Consumer habits adapt to rising prices
(01.06.2022) Rising prices due to the global economic situation are putting a strain on the Swiss budget. A study by the accounting and consulting firm PwC reveals that inflation is a source of concern for the majority of the country's consumers (59%).
National eGovernment Study 2022: people would like more eGovernment services
(10.05.2022) The National eGovernment Study published on May 10, 2022, has confirmed that the demand for eGovernment services remains high. The cross-sectional survey of the general public, businesses, and the administration shows that demand for e-services exceeds supply.
Biotech is attracting more and more investors
(25.05.2022) The Swiss biotech industry succeeded in raising CHF 3.33 billion in 2021. According to the Swiss Biotech Report 2022, the research and development sector alone attracted a record CHF 2.56 billion in investments.
Swiss companies on the up, despite shortages
(25.05.2022) Optimism remains high in Switzerland. After a slight decline in March, the KOF Business Situation Indicator jumped by 5.63 points in April to 32.55, recording its highest level since June 2011.
Swiss job market hits new record high
(18.05.2022) The Swiss labor market remains strong. The Swiss Job Market Index, published by the Adecco Group and the University of Zurich, has reached a new milestone with a 47% year-on-year increase, and a 7% increase over the last quarter of 2021.
Strong demand boosts morale among Swiss SMEs
(18.05.2022) Small and medium-sized businesses continue to be optimistic. In April, strong demand for industrial products led to a 1.1 point jump in the SME-SMI index to 59.1 points. Nevertheless, there are still uncertainties, particularly concerning rising production costs.
Inflation and monetary policy divide economists
(11.05.2022) Inflation and monetary policy trends in Switzerland over the next few years are rather uncertain, the ETH Zurich Swiss Economic Institute (KOF) and the NZZ report in their latest survey, which is based on the opinions of 110 economists interviewed.
SME Forum supports introduction of trusts in Swiss law
(11.05.2022) A new legal structure - the trust - may shortly be introduced into Swiss law. To this end, the Federal Council has submitted a draft amendment to the Code of Obligations for consultation.
The question of succession has not been resolved by more than one in ten SMEs
(04.05.2022) Transferring a company remains problematic for many small and medium-sized companies in Switzerland. According to Dun&Bradstreet, a data and analytics consulting firm, 15.1% of Swiss SMEs have not yet found a buyer.
The United States is Switzerland's largest export market
(04.05.2022) Business for Swiss exporters is booming across the Atlantic. According to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCS), Swiss exports to the US reached CHF 47 billion in 2021.
Financing of start-ups in Europe: Switzerland in 4th position
(27.04.2022) Swiss start-ups are benefiting from buoyant investment trends. According to auditing and consulting firm EY's "Startup Barometer", the country has recorded more than 600 rounds of funding in 2021, placing it 4th in Europe.
Insolvencies are on the rise in Switzerland
(27.04.2022) Bankruptcies are increasing in the majority of regions. According to data and analytics consulting firm Dun&Bradstreet, the number of bankruptcies increased to 758 in January and February 2022, representing a 17 percent increase over the first two months of 2021.
Significant increase in bankruptcies in Switzerland in 2021
(20.04.2022) The number of Swiss companies closing down or being sued is increasing. In 2021, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), personal and corporate bankruptcies increased by 9.1% compared to 2020, while the number of lawsuits rose by almost 5%.
Swiss economy develops at moderate pace in March
(20.04.2022) The Swiss economy continues to normalize. In March, the KOF Swiss Economic Institute’s economic barometer approached its average value of 100 standing at 99.7 points. This represents a decrease of 5.6 points compared with the previous month.
Industrial SMEs are confident
(13.04.2022) Swiss industrial SMEs are maintaining their morale despite troubled times. Raiffeisen Bank's PMI-SME index increased by 1.3 points between February and March 2022. It has continued its progression after having gained nearly 10 points the previous month.
Retail trade: rise in results
(13.04.2022) Swiss retailers experienced a strong February 2022. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), retail sales increased by 13.3% in nominal terms, compared to February 2021.
Replacement of Payment Slips on 30 September 2022: Switch to QR-bill or eBill Now
(06.04.2022) As of 30 September this year, PostFinance will take the current payment slips off the market. It is now high time for companies to switch. After 30 September, financial institutions will no longer process red or orange payment slips – neither online nor at the counter.
A mixed bag for Swiss fintech in 2021
(06.04.2022) In the last year, the number of Swiss companies active in financial technology (fintech) has decreased. According to the "FinTech Study 2022" report by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the sector had 21 fewer companies in 2021 than in 2020. That's a decline of about 5%.
The services sector, leading the way in job creation
(06.04.2022) Business start-ups hit an all-time high. According to the Statistics on Business Demography (UDEMO) of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), 42,606 companies were created "ex nihilo" in 2019, an annual increase of 8.1%.
A Record February for Swiss Watchmakers
(30.03.2022) February was a very good month for the watch industry. The value of exports rose by 24.4% year-on-year to almost CHF 2 billion, according to statistics from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH). This increase was driven by most markets.
Swiss exports show unprecedented results
(30.03.2022) The Swiss export sector has much to celebrate. According to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCS), exports in February rose by 15.4% to 3.204 billion, while imports fell by 2.9%.
Industry faces rising energy costs
(23.03.2022) Swiss industrial SMEs were not euphoric about the end of the pandemic. Raiffeisen Bank's PMI-SME index rose from 47.4 to 56.7 points between January and February 2022. However, this leap should not obscure the challenges facing the secondary sector.
Gender inequality remains high in Switzerland
(23.03.2022) In Switzerland, further progress is needed to achieve gender equality in the workplace. The country ranks 14th in PwC's "Women in Work Index", which analyzes gender differences in 33 OECD economies.
Gradual recovery in the tourism sector
(16.03.2022) Tourism is slowly recovering from the pandemic crisis. The Swiss Tourism (ST) report for 2021 still shows a 25% drop in overnight stays compared to a comparably normal year like 2019.
SMEs adapt to talent shortages
(16.03.2022) Swiss companies are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. According to Credit Suisse’s "Staff development at a time of skilled labor shortages" study, more than 50 percent of SMEs anticipate future difficulties in finding employees.
Three billion invested in Swiss start-ups
(09.03.2022) Switzerland is fertile ground for start-ups. The Swiss Venture Capital Report published by the information portal startupticker.ch shows that startup investments increased by CHF 935 million in 2021, a 44% increase in one year.
Orders up for SMEs in the MEM industries
(09.03.2022) Indicators for the Swiss mechanical, electrical and metal industries (MEM) are positive. Almost two-thirds of the companies surveyed by the trade association Swissmechanic expect an increase in orders in Q4 2021.
Swiss exports fall for the second consecutive time in January
(02.03.2022) Switzerland's foreign trade sector is experiencing significant fluctuations. According to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS), the trend as of January 2022 indicates a stagnation in exports (a seasonally adjusted decrease of 1.5%), but an increase in imports (up 7%).
The secondary sector has seen a successful year
(02.03.2022) Positive trends were seen in the secondary sector in 2021. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), secondary sector production increased by 7.9% compared with 2020, thereby resuming its pre-crisis level of activity.
Health and safety: a portal to assess your company's needs
(23.02.2022) Managing companies well ensures employee wellbeing. The Leadership Lab, a new campaign launched by five occupational health and safety organizations, raises awareness about these issues in small companies.
Bankruptcies back on the rise
(23.02.2022) Bankruptcies are on the rise in Switzerland. According to consulting firm Dun&Bradstreet, over 410 companies have had to close down due to insolvency since last January. Meanwhile, newly-founded businesses increased only marginally over the same period.
Mergers and acquisitions: 2021 is a historic year
(16.02.2022) Mergers and acquisitions in Switzerland hit a record high last year. An M&A study by the auditing and consulting firm KPMG shows that the number of transactions with Swiss involvement rose from 363 to 604 between 2020 and 2021, the highest in a decade.
Customs duties on industrial goods to be lifted from 2024 onwards
(16.02.2022) As of 2024, the current average of 1.8% for customs duties on industrial goods will be completely abolished. The Federal Council has taken this decision to facilitate imports of intermediate goods into Switzerland thereby lowering production costs for Swiss companies.
Green light ahead for Swiss economy
(09.02.2022) Economic experts in Switzerland are confident about the future. According to Credit Suisse and The CFA Financial Market Survey, over 80% of financial analysts expect to see significant recovery in the next six months.
Swiss watch exports reach new heights
(09.02.2022) Swiss watchmakers wrapped up 2021 with record highs. According to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) annual report, the industry achieved an all-time high of CHF 22.3 billion, up 2.7% from 2019, the year before the pandemic started.
Swiss CEOs optimistic
(02.02.2022) Swiss business leaders are confident about the coming year. Sixty-four percent of the 100 CEOs questioned in the "Annual Global Survey" published by the consulting firm PwC expect their sales to increase in the next 12 months.
Economic growth requires greater inclusiveness
(02.02.2022) Switzerland would benefit from a greater involvement of women and seniors in its labour market in order to accelerate the recovery of its economy. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), salaries of women in full-time employment in Switzerland are on average 19% lower than those of men.
Bankruptcies increased in 2021
(26.01.2022) Switzerland recorded more bankruptcies last year than in 2020. According to the economic information firm Dun & Bradstreet, liquidation procedures increased by 4% in 2021. However, their number remains well below the pre-pandemic period.
Business situation improved towards the year-end 2021
(26.01.2022) Despite the resurgence of the epidemic, the Swiss economy is holding up well. The KOF Swiss Economic Institute’s Business Situation Indicator improved by 27.9 points in December 2021. This confirms the recovery momentum that has been evident for several months.
Moderate price increases in Switzerland in 2021
(19.01.2022) Consumer prices have risen again in Switzerland. In contrast to 2020’s negative inflation rate of -0.7%, 2021 was characterized by an average annual inflation of 0.6%, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).
Swiss economy has potential to attract brains from around the world
(19.01.2022) Switzerland remains the most attractive country for talent. The Swiss economy ranks first in the IMD World Talent Ranking, which is compiled by the Lausanne-based IMD Institute. This is the sixth consecutive time that the country has topped this annual ranking.
Growth forecasts revised downwards in Switzerland
(12.01.2022) The Swiss economy is expected to grow more slowly than anticipated. The Swiss Economic Institute (KOF) has revised its forecast for gross domestic product (GDP) growth downwards to 2.9% for 2022. Last October, the expected increase was still at 3.6%.
2022 promises to be a good year for exports
(12.01.2022) Swiss exporters are entering the new year with confidence. In Q3 2021, the Export Forecast indicator published by consulting firm Euler Hermes stood at 0.95 points. It suggests double-digit growth for the next six months.
Women are still reluctant to become entrepreneurs
(05.01.2022) Fewer women start a business than men. According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Switzerland ranks 20th for the number of women founders or managers of new businesses within the population.
Sharp increase in the number of small businesses in Switzerland
(05.01.2022) The Swiss economy relies increasingly on a network of small companies. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), two-thirds of the country's businesses have fewer than three employees.