99.8 percent tariff-free: More free trade in challenging times

In the future, 99.8 percent of current Swiss exports to China are to be tariff-free. scienceindustries welcomes the modernization of the free trade agreement and calls for its swift approval and implementation.

Significantly improved market access

According to the federal authorities, 99.8 percent of current Swiss exports are to enter China tariff-free in future. “This is a strong signal in favor of open markets. In an increasingly protectionist environment, Swiss companies need reliable access to key sales markets,” says Annette Luther, President of scienceindustries. This will also reduce the previous imbalance: while Chinese goods have largely entered Switzerland tariff-free since the 2014 agreement, some Swiss exports to China have remained subject to tariffs. This step is particularly relevant for the chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. In 2025, scienceindustries member companies exported goods worth 7.2 billion Swiss francs to China, making it one of the industry's five most important export destinations.

Diversification remains essential

China is an important trading partner for Switzerland. In an environment shaped by geopolitical tensions and protectionism, having reliable access to a variety of sales markets is essential. scienceindustries therefore advocates for stable relations with Switzerland’s most important trading partners and the systematic expansion of the Swiss free trade network.

“Europe remains by far our most important sales and procurement market, while the United States and China are key markets outside Europe. Modern free trade agreements help companies diversify their value and sales chains to remain competitive,” Luther explains.

Modernisation beyond tariff reductions

In addition to tariff reductions, the upgraded agreement includes modernized rules on origin and trade facilitation, services, digital trade, competition, and economic and technical cooperation. It also safeguards market access for Swiss investors and strengthens the provisions on environmental and labor rights.

In 2025, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry exported goods worth 152.1 billion Swiss francs (CHF), accounting for over 52 percent of total Swiss exports. For such an export-oriented industry, open and reliable international markets are a key prerequisite for competitiveness, value creation and jobs in Switzerland. Therefore, the completion of the negotiations is an important step. The approval procedures must be completed swiftly, and the modernized agreement must be brought into force promptly so that Swiss companies can benefit from improved market access.

Further information:

Stephan Mumenthaler, Director

Tel. 079 593 91 63, stephan.mumenthaler@scienceindustries.ch