Swiss Council of States moves to protect bakery sector

The Swiss Council of States has taken steps to protect the domestic bakery sector from increasing competition from imports. The Council adopted two motions aimed at modifying the current import regime to address a loss of market share in bread-making cereals and bakery products.

Data indicates that imports of finished and semi-finished products, such as croissants and pizzas, have more than doubled over the last decade, reaching 300,000 tonnes annually. Meanwhile, Swiss cereal production fell by approximately 30% between 2000 and 2020. To combat this, the Council passed a motion to remove preferential tariff treatment for imported semi-finished and finished products.

While the motion received broad support, the Council rejected a separate proposal to increase customs duties, citing concerns that such a move would lead to higher consumer prices within Switzerland.