Protectionism as a location risk
Swiss companies are sounding the alarm. The global trend towards protectionism is jeopardizing supply chains, increasing costs and weakening Switzerland as a business location. A large majority of export-oriented companies are calling for a clear response from Swiss politicians. Be it through new free trade agreements, the reduction of regulations and close cooperation with Europe on key technologies.
What began as US customs policy under Donald Trump is developing into a global threat to open economies. For export-dependent Switzerland, this development is more than just a geopolitical disturbance. It affects the core of the business model, international networking, stable framework conditions and reliable markets.
According to a representative survey of 800 Swiss companies involved in foreign trade, 70 percent expect a negative impact on their own business. Export-oriented sectors such as the pharmaceutical, watch and machinery industries as well as suppliers in the real estate, construction and logistics sectors are particularly affected.
Location strategies under pressure
The reactions of companies show that protectionism is no longer an abstract risk. Over 60 percent of those surveyed expect higher costs and bottlenecks in the supply chain. Every second company is planning price increases in order to pass on the additional costs. At the same time, many are focusing on increasing efficiency and searching for new sales markets.
Large companies in particular are rethinking their strategy. 40 percent are considering setting up their own sites abroad in order to circumvent trade barriers. This creates new requirements for location development, real estate projects and investment planning, both domestically and internationally.
Clear demands on politicians
The Swiss economy is calling for an active and future-oriented economic policy. The focus is on free trade agreements, particularly with the USA, to ensure competitiveness, the reduction of regulations and tax relief to strengthen the willingness to invest domestically.
Research and innovation as key
There is also broad support for the further development of bilateral agreements with the EU, particularly in the energy sector. More than 60% of companies see this as an opportunity to strengthen security of supply and integration into central European markets.
Securing future technologies – together with Europe
With growing protectionism, there is also growing concern about being left behind when it comes to access to key technologies such as AI, quantum computing or high-performance chips. Three quarters of the companies surveyed see an acute need for action here.
Entrepreneurs recommend building up their own capacities in cooperation with European partners. In technology-intensive sectors in particular, companies are calling for government stimulus, even if this would mean a paradigm shift in Swiss industrial policy.