
Trade & Logistics
Switzerland’s Global Gateway
Switzerland’s prosperity is deeply connected to its role as a premier hub for international trade. Its success is built on two key pillars: a network of important trade agreements that offer companies broad access to international markets, and world-class infrastructure and logistics that facilitate the seamless distribution of goods. This section explores the destinations, products, agreements, and infrastructure that power Switzerland’s trade engine.
Top Export Destinations
Swiss products are in demand worldwide, with strong trade relationships spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. The top five destinations for Swiss exports are:
- United States: 73.38 billion USD
- Germany: 51.33 billion USD
- China: 42.39 billion USD
- Slovenia: 29.99 billion USD
- Italy: 27.91 billion USD
Leading Export Categories
Switzerland specializes in high-value, precision, and research-intensive goods. The main drivers of its export economy include:
- Precious Stones & Metals: 136.5 billion USD
- Pharmaceutical Products: 110.4 billion USD
- Organic Chemicals: 47.2 billion USD
- Watches & Clocks: 29.5 billion USD
- Machinery & Mechanical Appliances: 25.3 billion USD
Framework for Global Trade
A cornerstone of Switzerland’s trade policy is its comprehensive network of free trade agreements, which grants businesses preferential access to numerous key markets across the globe. This network includes:
- The EFTA Convention
- A Free Trade Agreement with the European Union
- EFTA’s free trade agreements with various third-party states
- Switzerland’s own bilateral free trade agreements
The Backbone of Swiss Trade
Ranked 3rd globally on the Logistics Performance Index
This top-tier ranking is supported by a dense, modern, and highly efficient infrastructure network.
Aviation Network
14 national and regional airports (2023)
Road Network
85,009 km of roads (2024)
Rail Network
5,317 km of railway lines (2020)