Category Archive: 3.) Swissinfo Business and Economy

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Bitcoin Suisse plans to cut up to 60 jobs in Switzerland

2026-09-11

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2026-09-11

Bitcoin Suisse plans to cut up to half of its 120 Swiss jobs as it reorganises from a primarily Swiss crypto firm into an international financial services group. A company spokesperson told the AWP news agency, following an earlier report on the financial portal Finews, that some of the changes were due to software development …

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Swiss medtech firms sounds alarm about domestic industry

2026-09-11

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2026-09-11

Fewer new jobs, less investment: the boom times for Swiss medtech firms appear to be over. Swiss medical technology firms manufacture products such as dental implants, insulin pens, artificial hip joints, pacemakers and diagnostic devices. Around 1,400 companies operate in this sector in Switzerland. In 2025, these companies generated a record high turnover of CHF26 …

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A new generation of robots is taking shape in Switzerland

2026-09-11

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2026-09-11

Swiss start-ups are developing cutting-edge robots that combine novel hardware with artificial intelligence (AI). The companies now face the challenge of converting innovative research into viable businesses in the face of intense global competition from the United States and China. From humanoids, drones and self-driving vehicles to machines that operate in dangerous environments, robots are …

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Swiss firms fear exclusion from EU innovation procurement

2026-09-10

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2026-09-10

The European Commission intends to reform the European Union's public procurement market. This could prevent innovative Swiss firms from bidding for funds. The EU aims to promote innovation within member states. Public funds are also to be channelled into these initiatives. New rules may soon be introduced that govern how these funds are allocated. This …

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Swiss trade union calls for 2.5% pay raise

2026-09-10

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2026-09-10

The Swiss Trade Union Federation is calling for across-the-board pay rises of 2.5% for 2027. The trade union umbrella organisation justifies this demand on the grounds of the low rate of wage growth over the last decade and the improving economic climate. In this context, the situation for employees must therefore improve, the union stated …

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Swiss firms ‘in line for $2bn US tariff refunds’

2026-09-10

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2026-09-10

Swiss companies could receive as much as $2 billion in United States tariff reimbursements, according to economists at UBS bank. The biggest potential refunds for goods exported between April 2025 and February 2026 relate due on precision and medical instruments as well as watches, UBS said on Thursday. The remainder is primarily for coffee, machinery …

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China’s high-tech rise puts competitive pressure on Switzerland

2026-09-10

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2026-09-10

Economists at Swiss bank UBS view China’s economic rise as a major challenge for the Swiss economy. The US tariffs, on the other hand, are likely to have only a temporary impact. Over the past decade, China has increasingly transformed itself from the "world’s factory" into a hub for high technology. For example, the country …

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US medical device company to cut 580 jobs in Switzerland

2026-09-10

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2026-09-10

Staff at US medical technology group Zimmer Biomet in Winterthur, northeast of Zurich, received bad news this week. As part of a restructuring of production, up to 580 of the 730 jobs at the site could be lost, the company announced on Wednesday. Zimmer Biomet has owned the site since 2003. At that time, the … Continue reading »

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Swiss fragrance firm Givaudan plans expansion in Morocco

2026-09-10

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2026-09-10

Givaudan is opening a new development centre for its Fragrances and Beauty division in Casablanca, on Morocco’s west coast. The Vernier-based fragrance and flavour giant aims to meet growing demand in Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. "Having been established in this country since March 2025, Givaudan is now expanding its presence through local …

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Swiss pharma firm Lonza to build new factory in US

2026-09-10

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2026-09-10

Lonza is set to begin construction of a production site dedicated to spray-drying in the United States. The plant, which will be built in Bend, Oregon, is expected to be operational in 2029 and to create more than 80 jobs. The decision is part of the Basel-based pharmaceutical subcontractor's effort to strengthen its presence in …

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Switzerland bans purchase and import of Sudanese gold

2026-09-10

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2026-09-10

The Swiss government has joined the European Union in banning the purchase and import of Sudanese gold. The ban applies to the purchase, import and transit of gold of Sudanese origin, as well as to the provision of services and the granting of financial resources in connection with such gold. The sale and supply to …

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Small Swiss firms asked to help expand wind power

2026-09-09

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2026-09-09

Wind power has faced an uphill political battle in Switzerland. Now energy company Axpo wants to accelerate wind energy development with the help of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Private households are unlikely to buy a wind turbine, but for SMEs such an investment appears attractive. Every wind power project begins with a wind …

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Geneva vs Zurich: which is the better safe haven?

2026-09-09

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2026-09-09

At a time of global unrest, Switzerland’s two big cities are seeing an influx of arrivals. But with significantly contrasting lifestyles, choosing between them is a challenge. Switzerland’s reputation for stability is longstanding. Within weeks of the first military strikes in the Middle East earlier this year, Knight Frank reported a sharp rise in short-term …

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Swiss oddities

2026-09-08

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2026-09-08

What makes Switzerland unique? Unusual and sometimes bizarre stories from Switzerland. A selection of articles about Swiss oddities.

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Why Switzerland has such low interest rates

2026-09-08

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2026-09-08

In many countries, central banks are raising interest rates. Does this put pressure on the Swiss National Bank (SNB) to follow suit? Current key interest rates: Switzerland's central bank has set a key interest rate of 0% – a rate that is uniquely low by global standards. It has been in place for over a … Continue reading »

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The week in Switzerland

2026-09-08

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2026-09-08

Every Saturday, our journalists round up the week's most notable events in Switzerland - and give you a preview of what not to miss in the coming week.

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High-end boom masks Swiss watch industry polarisation

2026-09-08

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2026-09-08

After three years of turbulence, Swiss watchmakers are searching for signs that the worst is over. Wars, tariffs, a soaring gold price, the strong Swiss franc and weaker luxury demand have all taken their toll. Now, export values have stabilised and volumes are rising again. But recovery is an increasingly difficult concept to apply to …

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Young brands aim to make mark at Geneva Watch Days fair

2026-09-07

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2026-09-07

The Geneva Watch Days, which runs the whole week, brings together 71 watch brands, the majority of which are emerging labels. For these companies seeking visibility, the event offers a relatively accessible entry point into the world of luxury, where the "Swiss Made" label remains an asset but doesn't guarantee success. Young brands are flocking …

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Swiss Post plans 110 redundancies

2026-09-07

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2026-09-07

Swiss Post has announced plans to cut costs by the end of 2027, which could result in up to 110 redundancies. The post office justifies says the cost-cutting measures are necessary to ensure its long-term financial independence. Swiss Post attributes these measures to the fall in the volume of letters and over-the-counter transactions. Growth in …

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Swiss labour market remains strong

2026-09-07

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2026-09-07

The Swiss labour market continues to show signs of strength against a backdrop of geopolitical and economic uncertainties. This was stated by Jérôme Cosandey, head of the labour division at the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), while commenting via teleconference on the unemployment figures (3% in August). The only significant increase was among young …

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