Category Archive: 3.) Swissinfo Business and Economy

Swiss Senate votes to extend short-time working to counter tariffs

The Swiss Senate has approved the extension of short-time working compensation from 18 to 24 months in the face of United States tariffs. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Businesses have demanded the measure since since tariffs were raised. It has now cleared the first parliamentary hurdle. According to the parliamentary …

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Swiss central bank invests in controversial companies

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is investing money in nine companies that are facing sharp international criticism for their military cooperation with Israel. At the same time, the SNB emphasises ethical principles. How does this fit together? +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Caterpillar is one of the nine companies. The …

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Swiss await US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

The United States Supreme Court is set to rule on the legality of President Donald Trump's tariff policy, which also impact Swiss imports duties. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox A hearing will take place in November, according to a Supreme Court document. Last week, Trump's government applied to the Supreme …

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What Happens If Switzerland Is Attacked? | Swiss Neutrality Explained

Swiss neutrality isn’t always easy to understand. You sent us your questions, and we’ve answered a selection of them. Stay tuned for part two. --- swissinfo.ch is the international branch of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). Its role is to report on Switzerland and to provide a Swiss perspective on international events. For more articles, interviews and videos visit swissinfo.ch or subscribe to our YouTube channel: Website:...

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Zurich authorities want ‘no taxpayer money for terrorists’

Zurich cantonal parliament has voted against recognising the state of Palestine. However, it has provisionally supported a motion calling for “no taxpayers' money for terrorists”, with 77 votes in favour. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The individual initiative "No tax money for terrorists" was not explicitly directed against an organisation, …

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Explainer: How the new US tariffs are already impacting the Swiss economy

On August 1, US President Donald Trump announced a tariff of 39% for Switzerland. The effects are slowly becoming visible. Only five countries have higher tariffs for their exports to the US than Switzerland. Of all the industrialised nations and European countries, Switzerland has the highest US tariffs. At the same time, the US has …

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Swiss vote on e-ID: will digital identity finally go public? | Swissinfo explains

Is Switzerland ready to go digital with its identity cards? 📱 On September 28, Swiss citizens will vote on the introduction of a state-run digital identity (e-ID). This is important for the diaspora, as it would give them easier access to government services. Swissinfo explains what is at stake in the vote. We break down what’s at stake in this crucial referendum. Why was the first version rejected in 2021? What’s changed? And why are some...

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Global banks rush to fill Credit Suisse void for Swiss SMEs

Global banks including JPMorgan, Bank of America and Deutsche Bank are stepping up an effort to serve Switzerland’s small and mid-sized companies, as they look to fill the void left by the collapse of Credit Suisse. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Credit Suisse — which was one of the country’s …

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Swiss F-35 delivery ‘on track’ despite US delays

The delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Switzerland remains on track despite delays in the United States, according to the Federal Armaments Office, Armasuisse. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox An audit report by the US General Accounting Office states that no F-35 fighter jets were delivered on schedule last year. …

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Bill piles up for Swiss defence contractor fraud probe

The costs of an investigation into Swiss state-owned defense company Ruag over dubious tank have reached a "double-digit million sum", according to the company’s chair. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox In February, new reports from the Federal Audit Office revealed the extent of irregularities at RUAG in which alleged cases …

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Switzerland held “constructive” tariff meeting in Washington

Swiss economics minister Guy Parmelin says a meeting in Washington to discuss tariffs with United States officials was "constructive". +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Switzerland sees good opportunities for both countries and wants to strengthen the partnership, he wrote on the social media platform X on Saturday night. Parmelin met …

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Indonesians Sue Holcim, Swiss Dies in Lisbon Crash, Abortions to Be Free in Switzerland

Indonesians sue Holcim over climate damage, Swiss woman dies in Lisbon funicular crash and abortions are set to become free in Switzerland. Catch up on this week’s top Swiss news stories in under 90 seconds. 🌍🚡🧑‍⚕️ --- swissinfo.ch is the international branch of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC). Its role is to report on Switzerland and to provide a Swiss perspective on international events. For more articles, interviews and videos...

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Switzerland seeks improved tariff deal with US

Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin has flown to the United States with a new offer to resolve the customs dispute between the two countries. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The purpose of Parmelin's short notice mission was confirmed by Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. "We have drawn up an optimised offer …

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Swiss alpine cantons protest proposed second home tax

A proposed new Swiss tax on second homes, linked to the abolition of imputed rental values, is irresponsible, say some cantons. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox They argue that this solution is unfair, ill-conceived and economically damaging. On September 28, the Swiss people will vote on a new cantonal property …

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On shoes Swiss cross IP dispute set for court ruling

The dispute between shoe manufacturer On, the Swissness Enforcement Association (SEA) and the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property (IPI) over the use of the Swiss cross on shoes made abroad is moving up a gear. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Following a meeting between the two parties on Wednesday, …

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Swiss economics minister pays short-notice visit to US

Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin travelled to the United States at short notice on Friday to hold ministerial level talks. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The economics ministry has not yet commented on further details of the trip. + What do the 39% US tariffs mean for the Swiss economy? …

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Swiss inflation stays steady in face of US tariffs

Swiss inflation stayed positive for a third consecutive month, offering reassurance to policymakers as they also evaluate if the economy can weather a jump in United States tariffs. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Consumer prices rose 0.2% from a year ago in August, matching the increase of the previous month, …

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Several people in custody after Swiss national kidnapped in France

Seven people are in French police custody on Thursday as authorities investigate the kidnapping and illegal detention of a young Swiss man, who was freed on Sunday in Valence during a police operation. The case is believed to be linked to cryptocurrencies. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The suspects are …

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Swiss unemployment rate up slightly in August

The Swiss job market deteriorated slightly last month. The number of unemployed rose by almost 3,000 (+2.3%) month-on-month, to reach 132,105. The unemployment rate rose to 2.8%. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox Adjusted for seasonal variations, this rate remained unchanged at 2.9%, according to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs …

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Duck toilet cleaner gets its own Swiss stamp

Swiss Post has launched a stamp featuring an image of the Duck toilet cleaning dispenser, as part of a series honouring Swiss inventiveness. When rubbed with fingers, the stamp emits the citrus cleaning scent associated with the product. +Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox The toilet cleaning bottle with a curved …

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