Commodity trading and finance
Switzerland is a world leader in commodity trading. The Swiss commodity sector includes not only trading companies, but also banks specialised in the financing of commodity trading, goods inspection companies, shipping companies and insurance companies. Its importance for the Swiss economy is as significant as ever. Approximately 950 companies with about 10,000 employees are active in the commodity sector in Switzerland.
The regulatory and political environment plays a decisive role in terms of Switzerland's appeal as a business location. Commodity trading centres such as Singapore, London and Dubai are major competitors for Switzerland. Given the many connections between the commodity and financial sectors, a prosperous commodity sector is important for Switzerland's financial centre. Specialized banks play a key role in the financing of commodity trading, for instance.
In view of the sector's diversity and its great importance in terms of domestic and foreign policy, the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) and the Federal Department of Finance (FDF) established an interdepartmental commodities platform in 2013. It is led alternately by SIF, SECO and the FDFA: SIF will managed the platform until the end of March 2025, after which the SECO has taken over for one year.
Switzerland is pursuing its commodity policy dialogue with the private sector, civil society and the cantons. The Federal Council believes that Switzerland is in a favourable position by international standards thanks to its efforts to ensure a competitive and morally sound business location for companies in the commodity sector. In November 2018, it adopted a report on the situation in the Swiss commodity sector. It issued 16 recommendations on that basis to further enhance the appeal, innovative power, integrity and responsible practices of the Swiss hub. A report published in May 2023 on the status of implementation of the recommendations showed that progress had been made in Switzerland in creating favourable conditions and promoting the integrity and sustainability of the sector.