In his opening speech, Damian Müller, President of Swiss Medtech, described the challenging conditions that the industry must currently navigate: «The medtech industry finds itself at the centre of global disruptions in trade and politics,» said the Councillor of States from Lucerne. «We must strengthen domestic framework conditions and actively promote free trade. An industry that saves lives, employs over 70,000 people, and contributes significantly to Switzerland’s economic success deserves the full support of politicians and authorities.»
Clear «YES» to the Switzerland-EU package
After reporting on the status of negotiations a year ago, Ambassador Patric Franzen, Switzerland’s chief negotiator with the EU and Deputy State Secretary at the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), returned to the conference stage once again to present the results «One Year On». Further regarding the Switzerland-EU package, a new gfs survey shows that eight out of ten medtech companies support the bilateral approach and the vast majority would approve the package today. The key factor for support is the medtech industry’s wish to restore direct access to the EU market, which ended in May 2021 when negotiations between Switzerland and the EU broke down.
«Our companies know exactly what the loss of unrestricted access means. They don’t need to speculate,» says Adrian Hunn, Director of Swiss Medtech. «No other industry in Switzerland has greater authority to comment on this issue.» Around half of all medtech exports go to the EU, making it the industry’s most important trading partner.
US tariffs further jeopardise export sector
Washington has levied a 39% tariff on Swiss medtech products since 7 August 2025. Based on the Nairobi Protocol, only products for people with disabilities are currently exempt from these customs duties.
The US is the second most important market following the EU, with nearly 25% of exports destined for that country. A recent association survey found that eight out of ten companies rate the current economic situation as «fairly negative» to «very negative.» In addition to the strong Swiss franc and difficult access to the EU market, US tariffs are placing additional pressure on the industry. Globally active manufacturers and suppliers are most affected. One third of companies are focusing on new sales markets, while 20% are considering relocating parts of their production to the US. At the same time, the industry is calling on domestic policymakers to reduce overregulation, support Bilateral Agreements III, and strengthen free trade with other global markets.
At the end of September, the US government launched an investigation under Section 232. The aim is to examine whether the United States’ dependence on medtech imports poses a risk to national security. A wide range of products is affected – from personal protective equipment and consumables to capital goods and complex medical devices such as implants. «This review is creating even more uncertainty,» says Adrian Hunn, Managing Director of Swiss Medtech. «Trade barriers on medical devices harm the industry – and ultimately patients as well.»
Climate protection to secure market access
Climate policy is also economic policy – this will become very evident during the conference. Swiss Medtech will present its Roadmap for Decarbonisation as part of a priority programme to help companies systematically reduce their CO₂ emissions and efficiently achieve the net-zero target. «Climate protection data is a prerequisite for access to many markets,» emphasises Adrian Hunn. «Our roadmap provides companies with a practical tool to remain competitive.»
Swiss Medtech represents around 800 members in its role as industry association for Swiss medical technology. With 71,700 employees and a contribution of 11.9% to the positive trade balance, medical technology is an economically significant sector in Switzerland. Swiss Medtech advocates for conditions that enable the medtech industry to perform at peak capacity and provide first-class medical care.