Swiss and Chinese presidents sign free trade agreement

The presidents of Switzerland and China, Guy Parmelin and Xi Jinping, have signed a modernised free trade agreement in Beijing.

Many previous tariffs previously imposed on Swiss exports to China are to be abolished if the deal is ratified by the Swiss parliament.

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Foreign Affairs

‘Glass half full’ rating for Swiss-Chinese trade deal

This content was published on

Sep 26, 2018


The Sino-Swiss free trade agreement saved companies CHF100 million in customs duties last year, but not all firms are convinced.

Read more: ‘Glass half full’ rating for Swiss-Chinese trade deal

The new text represents an improvement on the trade agreement between the two countries that came into force in 2014, according to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs. It promises to improve access to the Chinese market for Swiss goods and investments.

Rules on environmental protection and labour standards will be further strengthened within a legally binding chapter on trade and sustainable development. This is a first in any free trade agreement concluded by China, according to Switzerland.

In addition to this agreement, Switzerland and China have also signed a related agreement on cooperation in the field of labour and employment, and an agreement on regulated cooperation in research and development.

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Foreign Affairs

Deal reached to abolish nearly all tariffs on Swiss exports to China

This content was published on

Aug 20, 2026


Switzerland and China reached a deal to scrap tariffs on 99.8% of Swiss exports after phase-outs.

Read more: Deal reached to abolish nearly all tariffs on Swiss exports to China

+ How we produce news in English
Translated from French, reviewed by an English Department journalist.