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Published weekly, the articles in this section provide information for SMEs on the following topics:

  • The latest economic developments
  • New studies related to SMEs in Switzerland
  • Useful news for companies

The most recent articles are also posted on the SME Portal homepage.

Listed by date:

2023

Boxes stacked in a warehouse.

Anticipated contraction in foreign trade

(22.03.2023) Swiss exports stagnated in 2022 and will likely remain subdued this year. The Allianz Trade Export Forecast stood at 1.26 points in February 2023, up 0.14 points from the last measurement in November 2022.
People attending event seen from behind.

Entrepreneurial climate improves

(22.03.2023) Despite a few shortcomings, Switzerland remains a favorable country for entrepreneurship. According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor's (GEM) National Entrepreneurship Context Index (NECI), the country ranks 8th with a score of 5.8. This is Switzerland's highest ranking since 2019.
A depot for wooden planks.

Economic situation continue to improve

(15.03.2023) Switzerland's economy is maintaining its upward trajectory, which started in December 2022. After nine months of below-average performance, the barometer of the Swiss Economic Institute (KOF) at ETH Zurich reached 100.03 points in February 2023.
A worker examining thin metal cylinders.

Machine industry: good performance but mixed prospects

(15.03.2023) The machinery industry, electrical equipment industry, and metal industry (MEM) along with related technological sectors are performing better than expected. Swissmem, the umbrella organization for the MEM sector, reported that despite the decline in international orders in the third quarter of 2022, industry sales increased by 9.4% for the year.
Wind turbines in the countryside.

Close to 4 billion invested in start-ups

(08.03.2023) Switzerland remains a fertile ground for start-ups. According to the Swiss Venture Capital Report published by the information portal startupticker.ch, start-up investment has increased by almost 30% in one year, despite the relatively unfavorable economic climate.
Two people shake hands across a desk.

Slight rise in employment in Q4 2022

(08.03.2023) The number of people employed in Switzerland rose slightly to 5.242 million at the end of 2022. According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the unemployment rate (ILO) stood at 4.1% in Q4 2022, 0.3 percentage points lower than the previous year.
Seats in a theater.

Covid restrictions: impact on SMEs two years on

(01.03.2023) A study conducted by the Geneva School of Business Administration (HEG-GE) shows that the pandemic led to a 14% loss of turnover on average between 2019 and 2020 among SMEs in French-speaking Switzerland. The impact of the restrictions varied, however, depending on their coping strategy.
A broken window.

Break-ins down but looting up

(01.03.2023) The number of break-ins reported by Swiss companies has decreased over the last 15 years, but prudence is still advised. According to a press release from the insurer AXA, nearly 1'300 incidents took place in 2022, with average damages of CHF 6'000.
Two workers load a delivery vehicle.

Drop in SME production

(22.02.2023) Despite a reported recovery of the Swiss economic environment, the situation is still tense for SMEs at the start of the year. The Raiffeisen SME PMI stood at 48 in January 2023, below the expansion threshold and down 2.5 points compared to December 2022.
Two baristas consulting a notepad.

Economic outlook improves

(22.02.2023) After a turbulent fall 2022, the Swiss economy seems to be recovering gradually. The Swiss Economic Institute ETH Zurich’s (KOF) Economic Barometer continued its upward trend and reached 97.2 points in January 2023, an increase of 5.7 points compared to December 2022.
Four people each holding a puzzle piece.

A record year for mergers and acquisitions in 2022

(15.02.2022) Economic uncertainties have not shaken the M&A market. According to consulting firm KPMG, 647 mergers and acquisitions with Swiss involvement were completed in 2022, with a transaction volume of USD 138.5 billion.
A scientist with vials of vaccines.

Rising prices boost foreign trade

(15.02.2022) Exports and imports reached record highs in 2022. According to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS), exports increased by 7.2% in nominal terms, while imports surged by 16.8%.

2022

An empty workspace.

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.
Workers in a warehouse.

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.
A person at the Lindenhof in the old town of Zurich.

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.
A woman in a supermarket with a long receipt.

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.
Workers consult a site plan.

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.
A large corporate building.

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).
Economiesuisse Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade Mutual Recognition Agreement MRA Switzerland United Kingdom simplified conformity assessment procedure approval

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.
SwissMEM MEM industries machinery electrical equipment metals third quarter 2022 exports decline in orders

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%.
Two employees in a grocery store.

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.
Various pictograms with a CO2 symbol in the center.

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.
Several parked cars.

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.
Someone switching off the lights.

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.

2021

Woman scanning qr code in front of a PC

Switch to the QR-bill Picks Up Speed

(28.12.2021) The latest survey results from gfs.bern concerning the discontinuation of payment slips show: The switch of companies to the QR-bill picks up speed. Already today, around two thirds of all Swiss companies are planning to complete the switch on time.

Replacement of payment slips – majority of companies have recognized the need for action

(28.07.2021) The latest study by gfs.bern on the replacement of the current payment slips shows that the majority of companies recognize the need for action. After 30 September 2022, payments will no longer be possible in Switzerland using the red and orange payment slips. By this date at the latest, all Swiss companies must be able to issue QR-bills.
A person scans a QR code on his smartphone.

Discontinuation of Payment Slips: Switch to QR-bill or eBill Now

(24.02.2021) PostFinance has set the end date for the current red (IS) and orange (ISR) payment slips as 30 September 2022. It is thereby supporting the digitalization of payment transactions and the corresponding follow-up products QR-bill and eBill. The red and orange payment slips will thus be definitively replaced for all Swiss bank customers. Companies are now required to switch if they have not done so already.

2018

In an office, four employees discuss the business situation in front of a PC.

Companies benefit from EasyGov and SME Portal

(20.11.2018) SME Portal and EasyGov.swiss together generate annual benefits of around CHF 47 million for Swiss companies. According to a SECO study published on 20 November 2018, both of these platforms are highly appreciated by users in the economy. SME Portal alone has over 37,000 users per month.
information Swiss Small and Medium-size Entreprises, SME portal, Secretariat of State for Economic affairs SECO English setting up your own business as foreigner, Swiss platform

The SME Portal is available in English

(12.09.2018) Designed for small and medium-sized businesses, the SME Portal is now available in English. Launched on September 11 by the Secretariat of State for Economic Affairs (SECO), this new version of the site makes thousands of practical and useful information available to English-speaking leaders.

Last modification 05.01.2023

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