Switzerland–Taiwan Free Trade

Taiwan remains a key missing link in Switzerland’s network of Free Trade Agreements ( fta s) in East Asia. This study updates the author’s 2016 research, assessing the potential benefits of mutual tariff abolition under a possible bilateral economic agreement between Switzerland and Taiwan, both members of the World Trade Organization. Drawing on data for the period from 2016 to 2020, it identifies that over 50 percent of trade between the two economies is already duty-free. However, an fta could still generate substantial tariff savings. Taiwanese exporters could save chf 8.7 million annually, benefiting industries such as machinery, metals, and vehicles and parts. Meanwhile, Swiss exporters could save US$42 million annually, with the machinery and watch industries as primary beneficiaries. Most importantly, an fta would eliminate competitive disadvantages faced by Taiwanese companies compared to their competitors in Japan, South Korea, and the prc , ensuring fairer market access in Switzerland

Business · Geography · European Socioeconomic and Political Studies · Global trade and economics