News

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:

The economic situation remained mixed at the start of 2025

(16.04.2024) Uncertainty continued to weigh on Swiss industrial activity in March. Raiffeisen Bank’s SME Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell by two points to 47.9, after coming close to the expansion threshold in February (49.9).

A pixelated Swiss flag on a blue and red background

Record number of patents filed in 2024

(09.04.2025) Switzerland boasts the highest density of inventions in the world. Nearly 10,000 patent applications were filed in 2024 – equivalent to 1,140 per million inhabitants. That’s a rate twice as high as Sweden’s (472), which holds second place in the Patent Index 2024.

A stylized US flag as a map. The border of the map is a wall.

Swiss exports affected by US tariff increases

(03.04.2025) On 3 April the Federal Council took note of the US government's announcements on the imposition of wide-ranging tariffs. These will affect all of the USA’s trading partners including Switzerland. The Federal Council will analyse the measures and their impact on Switzerland in greater detail. It is in contact with the affected industries and the US authorities. The Federal Council has instructed the EAER to begin preparatory work on a possible solution with the USA.

Illustration d’un globe terrestre et d’éléments en lien avec les technologies vertes

Fintech: the slowdown continues in 2024

(02.04.2025) Switzerland’s financial technology sector remained flat at the end of 2024, with exactly the same number of fintech companies as the previous year (483). Meanwhile, funding also slowed, according to the IFZ FinTech Study 2025 by the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

A laboratory technician holds a pipette of orange liquid

Industry and services closed 2024 with mixed results

(26.03.2025) Turnover in the secondary and tertiary sectors declined in the fourth quarter of 2024. Year-on-year, it decreased by -1.4%. Employment, however, rose by +0.5% over the same period, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

A screen displaying code with terms like Cyber Threat Alert

Critical infrastructure cyberattacks must be reported

(19.03.2025) As of April 1, 2025, operators of critical infrastructure will be required to report any cyberattack to the Federal Office for Cybersecurity (OFCS) within 24 hours of detection.

The arrow of a compass surmounted by a sphere with the Swiss cross points to the term TRADE

Mixed annual results for foreign trade

(12.03.2025) Swiss exports of goods reached an all-time high in 2024, totaling 282.9 billion francs (+3.2%). However, the strong performance of the pharmaceutical sector stood in sharp contrast to declines across other industries, according to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (FOCBS).

A man wearing a helmet and a safety waistcoat in front of some lorries

The industry boosts Swiss mergers and acquisitions

(05.03.2025) The number of M&A transactions remained stable in 2024, but the amounts committed increased. According to KPMG, more than 450 merger and acquisition deals were completed during the year for a total volume of almost 115 billion dollars (+43 billion / +59.7%).

A hand is holding stickers of green men and women

Employment falls to its lowest point in three years

(26.02.2025) The labour market is tightening in Switzerland. The economic downturn has led to a decline of 10% in job vacancies throughout 2024 and as much as 13% in the fourth quarter, according to the Swiss Job Market Index published by Adecco and the University of Zurich.

Possibility of interest rate adjustment for COVID-19 credits at end of March 2025

(25.02.2025) ) As stipulated by law, the interest rates for COVID-19 credits are reviewed by the Federal Council on 31 March each year and adjusted to market conditions if necessary. At the end of March, the Federal Council could therefore potentially adjust the current interest rates of 1.5% for outstanding credits of up to CHF 500,000, and 2% for those exceeding CHF 500,000.

Swiss executives bet on growth

(19.02.2025) Swiss senior executives are starting the year 2025 with optimism. More than half (56%) of business leaders expect global economic growth over the next twelve months, according to PwC’s Annual Global CEO Survey.

Discontinuation of the direct debit procedures LSV+/BDD as of 30 September 2028

(25.02.2025) The existing direct debit procedures LSV+/BDD will be discontinued as of 30 September 2028. This means that invoice issuers need to take action. They must decide at in good time which format they wish to use for future invoicing and initiate the corresponding coordination with their financial institution and software partner.

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A man wearing a helmet, goggles and a safety waistcoat

Slight GDP growth in third quarter

(25.12.2024) The Swiss economy continues to grow at a steady but moderate pace. Gross domestic product (GDP) rose by 0.2% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to 0.4% in the previous quarter, driven primarily by robust activity in the construction sector (+0.8%).

The struggling economic recovery

(18.12.2024) The economic outlook in Switzerland remains mixed. The Raiffeisen SME PMI index declined in November 2024 to 50.1 points, down from 51.9 points in October, inching closer to the contraction threshold. This is largely due to weak demand in international markets.

The global climate weakens the machinery industry

(04.12.2024) The machinery, electrical equipment, and metal industries (MEM sector) face a period of uncertainty. Revenue fell by 4.2% year-on-year during the first three quarters of 2024, according to Swissmem.

The job market is stabilizing

(11.12.2024) Companies in Switzerland are finding it easier to recruit, and the labor market remains strong. In the third quarter of 2024, the number of jobs in the Swiss economy grew by 1.2% (+65,800) compared to the previous year, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

A woman in front of her computer with a red message

One in 25 businesses hit by a serious cyberattack

(27.11.2024) Cybersecurity continues to pose a significant challenge in Switzerland. Over the past three years, 4% of SMEs have fallen victim to a serious cyberattack, equating to approximately 24,000 businesses nationwide, according to a study by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW).

A person sitting on a bed gazes at the snow-covered mountains

Slight increase in overnight stays expected this winter

(20.11.2024) Swiss tourism appears resilient despite the challenges of a strong franc and a mixed economic outlook. Compared to winter 2023-2024, overnight stays are expected to rise by 0.8% (+149,000), reaching a total of 18.1 million during the 2024-2025 season, according to a study by the BAK Economics Institute.

Swiss flag with a background of mountains and pictograms

Growth forecasts are looking increasingly bleak

(13.11.2024) Economic recovery continues to struggle. The Economic Research Center's (KOF) barometer at ETH Zurich has dropped by 5.0 points to 99.5 in October (down from 104.5 in September). This marks the first time since January 2024 that the indicator has fallen below the average (100).

A person’s fingertip touches an icon of a head labeled "AI"

One in five companies has already integrated AI into its operations

(06.11.2024) The Swiss economy is increasingly embracing artificial intelligence's potential. More than half (55%) of companies have started integrating this technology into their operations, according to a study by insurer AXA and the Sotomo Institute, which surveyed 300 SMEs.

A man and a woman review a professional document.

Intellectual and scientific professions have grown significantly

(30.10.2024) The types of professions within the Swiss workforce have undergone significant changes over the past 50 years. For instance, the proportion of people working in intellectual and scientific fields jumped from 7.3% in 1970 to 26.8% in 2023, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Two people standing on the surface of the globe shaking hands

Small businesses expanding internationally

(23.10.2024) Swiss SMEs are conducting a significant portion of their business internationally. A third of them generate more than three-quarters of their revenue abroad, according to the Swiss International Entrepreneurship Survey (SIES) conducted by the School of Management Fribourg (HEG-FR).

Keyboard with a Swiss cross key and a 'job' key

Unemployment Continues to Rise in September

(16.10.2024) The Swiss labor market is tightening. In September 2024, the number of unemployed people rose to 113,245, an increase of 22,419 compared to the same period in 2023 (+24.7%). During the same period, the unemployment rate edged up by 0.1 percentage points to reach 2.5%, according to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

A 3D model of Switzerland with golden lines connecting major cities

Switzerland once again leads the world in innovation

(09.10.2024) For 14 consecutive years, Switzerland has consistently ranked as the world’s most innovative economy. It retains its leading position, ahead of Sweden (2nd) and the United States (3rd), according to the 2024 Global Innovation Index by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

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Swiss Entrepreneurs' Society SSE, construction index, increase in order entries, third quarter 2023

Orders are picking up in construction sector

(27.12.2023) Construction activity has slightly rebounded in the third quarter of 2023. The industry records a slight increase of 1.7% on a yearly basis, thereby reducing the deficit for the first three quarters to -4.6%, according to the Swiss Entrepreneurs' Society (SSE).

A list of numbers and arrows pointing upwards.

Increase in VAT as of January 1, 2024

(20.12.2023) Following the Swiss public's endorsement in September 2022 of the amendment to the Federal Law on Old Age and Survivors' Insurance (AVS), the Value Added Tax (VAT) is set to increase starting January 1, 2024.

Federal Office of Customs and Border Security OFDF foreign trade Swiss exports imports pharmaceuticals October 2023

Pharmaceutical sector weighs down Swiss exports and imports

(13.12.2023) Foreign trade experienced a significant decline in October 2023. The decrease in exchanges in the pharmaceutical industry led to a drop of 10.7% in exports and 4.9% in imports, according to the Federal Office of Customs and Border Security (OFDF).

Retail trade calls for regulatory truce

(06.12.2023) Swiss retailers expect a turbulent 2024. Despite a promising 2023, more than a third (36%) of businesses believe that the next fiscal year will end with below-average results, according to the Swiss Retail Federation.

A winter landscape with chalets at the foot of the Matterhorn.

Promising winter for the tourism sector

(22.11.2023) After the trauma of the pandemic, the Swiss tourism sector is continuing its upward trend. While the summer season ended with record numbers, the winter season 2023-2024 is expected to see a growth of +0.4%, according to the forecasts from BAK Economics and SECO.

Create a salary system with the Logib web application

(16.11.2023) As of now, the Confederation is making Logib pay system available: Companies and organisations can use the webtool to develop a simple system for managing functions and salaries based on gender-neutral criteria.

Raiffeisen PMI SME index, inflation, strong franc, import, export, economic conditions, order books, production

Job market on the rise again

(15.11.2023) Strong headwinds are blowing across the Swiss economic landscape. In October, Raiffeisen's PMI SME index dropped by nearly five points to 45.2. The banking institution highlights the industrial recession in the Eurozone and the appreciation of the franc.

Job market picks up

(08.11.2023) In the third quarter of 2023, the Adecco Swiss Job Market index increased by 7% on a yearly basis, driven particularly by the strength of the mechanical, electrical, and metallurgical (MEM) industries sector.

SME Forum supports extending loss compensation deadline

(01.11.2023) Following the pandemic, Parliament is calling for an extension of the loss compensation period for businesses from seven to ten years. This change is necessary because, under current regulations, businesses may find themselves unable to offset some of their losses with future profits.

Several sectors at risk of bankruptcy

(01.11.2023) The cases of insolvency increased by 8% in the first three quarters of 2023, according to the consulting firm Dun & Bradstreet. Between January 1st and September 30th, 2023, 3,845 companies had to file for bankruptcy in Switzerland, compared to 3,552 in the same period in 2022.

Four people conversing in a professional space.

Absences due to mental illnesses are on the rise

(25.10.2023) Workplace absenteeism weighs heavily on the activities of companies. More than one in four SMEs (26%) experienced the negative consequences of absences due to mental health issues in 2022, according to a study on the labor market by the insurance company Axa.

Two men in a discussion point at elements on a computer.

Switzerland remains leader in innovation

(18.10.2023) The Swiss economy has managed to retain its innovation edge. The country retained first place for the thirteenth consecutive year, while Sweden overtook the United States for second position, according to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) 2023 Innovation Index.

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View of the Quai des Bergues in Geneva, with its hotels and flags.

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.

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.

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).

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%.

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.

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.

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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.

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