Survey reveals what Zurich residents and expats expect from each other; a number of Swiss companies no longer export to the US; and other news in our Tuesday roundup.
These are the expectations that Zurich residents and expats have of each other
A Zurich publication has surveyed local residents, as well as members of the international community, to find out how they get along with each other and what challenges they face while interacting.
The main (though not at all surprising) finding: for expats, “it is very difficult to connect with the locals,” and “forming genuine friendships is almost impossible.”
The main reason, according to Zurich residents, is the language barrier.
Foreign respondents agreed that it is a reasonable expectation, and many said they do speak some German (or even Swiss German), but only at a basic level.
That’s enough for everyday life, but not for in-depth conversations, they conceded.
A number of Swiss companies have stopped exports to the United States
About 40 percent of small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) are already feeling the negative effects of US tariffs on their bottom line.
According to a survey carried out by the umbrella association Swissmechanic, four out of 10 SMEs operating in the mechanical, electrical, and metalworking industries are recording losses due to 39-percent tariffs, and 10 percent have already suspended exports to the United States.
A high proportion of companies are also considering reducing production in Switzerland and relocating to the EU countries, to benefit from a much lower,15-percent tariff, there.
“If we don’t find a solution, tens of thousands of jobs are at risk,” said Nicola Tettamanti, Swissmechanic’s president.
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Good news for commuters: these trains are now operating again
Trains that have not been running since June 27th due to maintenance works on the Fribourg-Bern line — one of the most important routes in Switzerland as it connects German and French-speaking parts of the country – are back in business.
As this line is on track (literally and figuratively) since Monday, the others that had been cancelled on this section are up and running too:
- The IC1 (Geneva Airport–St. Gallen) and the IR15 (Geneva Airport–Lucerne)
- The RE3 between Fribourg and Düdingen
- The S2 between Laupen and Bern Europaplatz
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Reminder: No more packages for the United States
From today, you can no longer send packages to the United States via Swiss Post, as it will temporarily stop accepting US-bound shipments.
However, letters (including official documents and certificates), as well as express items sent via URGENT Express International with FedEx Express Swiss Post GmbH are not affected by the decision to stop accepting US-bound shipments.
You can read more about this measure here:
READ ALSO: Why Swiss Post has stopped shipping goods to the US
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
