The Local Switzerland

EXPLAINED: What is at stake in Switzerland’s March 7th referendums?

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 11:30:45 +0100

Swiss voters will weigh in on controversial issues such as the 'burka ban', an electronic identification law, and a free trade agreement with Indonesia.

UPDATED: UK and EU abandon deadline to continue Brexit trade deal talks

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 13:02:39 +0100

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson and EU chief Ursula von der Leyen have agreed to carry on post-Brexit trade talks after a call between leaders on Sunday.

Trump wants United States-Switzerland trade deal

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 15:55:34 +0100

US President Donald Trump has told Switzerland that the time has come for a Swiss-US free trade agreement, however the US leader was less willing to make a commitment on other Swiss priorities like climate change.

Swiss exports hit new quarterly record

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 14:39:36 +0200

Swiss exports matched and surpassed their recent growth, with pharmaceuticals leading the charge.

Switzerland keen to talk trade with post-Brexit Britain

Mon, 30 Jan 2017 09:36:49 +0100

Switzerland's economy minister said on Sunday he wants to have "background" talks with Britain so that a trade deal can be in place as soon as the UK leaves the European Union.

Trump talks trade and education with Swiss president

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 12:57:02 +0100

US President-elect Donald Trump expressed his “respect” for Switzerland to Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann in a phone call on Wednesday.

Swiss president to talk trade with Trump

Mon, 05 Dec 2016 11:36:17 +0100

US President-elect Donald Trump will talk with Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann on the phone in the coming days, the latter told Swiss broadcaster RTS on Saturday.

WTO chief: 'I don't know what Trump's trade policies are'

Fri, 25 Nov 2016 09:31:23 +0100

The head of the World Trade Organization said on Thursday he had received no indication the United States would move to leave the WTO under Donald Trump's administration.

Trade body chief 'ready to work' with Trump

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 17:44:02 +0100

The head of the Geneva-based World Trade Organization said on Wednesday he stood ready to work with Donald Trump's administration following a US election campaign that saw the former reality TV star rail against global trade.

Swiss exports hit new record in 2015: Bern

Tue, 03 Feb 2015 16:21:00 +0100

Switzerland’s exports hit a record in 2014, expanding by 3.5 percent from the previous year to reach 208 billion francs ($225 billion), according to government figures released on Tuesday.

Swiss get the edge on EU with China trade deal

Sun, 06 Jul 2014 12:26:00 +0200

Switzerland has one-upped its European Union neighbours with a free trade deal with China that its politicians and business sector say is crucial to boosting ties with the world's second-largest economy.

Brazil's Azevedo named to head world trade body

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:20:00 +0200

Roberto Azevedo of Brazil was named as the new head of the Geneva-based World Trade Organization on Wednesday, vowing to battle economic protectionism and break the deadlock in talks aimed at liberalizing global commerce.

WTO leadership race down to two rivals

Sun, 05 May 2013 11:12:00 +0200

The World Trade Organisation is close to chosing its next leader in a final round pitting Brazil against Mexico, with the winner facing the tough task of restoring the clout of global commerce's rule-setting body.

Agrichemical giant Syngenta boosts profits

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:48:00 +0100

Basel-based agrichemical giant Syngenta on Wednesday announced a 17-percent increase in net profit for 2012, outpacing analysts' forecasts.

EU calls for new deal with Switzerland

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 20:25:00 +0100

The European Union is unhappy with Switzerland's practice of negotiating sector-by-sector accords, a policy which the EU says has reached its limits and should be reviewed.

Swiss output down in second quarter

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 11:06:00 +0200

Swiss output fell 0.1 percent in the second quarter compared to the previous three months as the strong Swiss franc hurt exports, the economy ministry said Tuesday.

Switzerland forecasts 1.5 billion franc surplus

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:39:00 +0200

Switzerland is set to end the year with healthier finances than expected and a surplus of 1.5 billion francs ($1.5 billion), the government said on Wednesday.

Swiss keep Fitch triple-A rating

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:36:00 +0200

Fitch Ratings on Thursday held steady Switzerland's top AAA rating, citing its resilient economy and well-managed public finances, and kept the outlook at stable.

Switzerland world's third most competitive country

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 11:14:00 +0200

Hong Kong, the United States and Switzerland have the most competitive economies in the world, according to a ranking compiled by the Swiss-based business school IMD.

BMW 'stopped Swiss buying cars abroad'

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:31:00 +0200

German automaker BMW said on Thursday it would appeal a Swiss fine of 156 million francs ($163 million) imposed after competition authorities said the company prevented the Swiss from buying its cars abroad.