APK-N says yes to Mercosur agreement - additional hurdles must be prevented
06.05.2026
AI-translated. Some sections may contain inaccuracies.
At a glance
- Clear signal for free trade, especially in geopolitically uncertain times: The APK-N recommends the EFTA-Mercosur Agreement for approval.
- Switzerland needs equal market access for its companies quickly in order to prevent disadvantages compared to the EU
- No additional burden through EUDR: The EU deforestation regulation is highly complex and impractical. A hasty implementation by Switzerland would create new hurdles.
The Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council (FAC-N) recommends the free trade agreement between the EFTA states and Mercosur for approval. At a time of geopolitical tensions, growing protectionism and fragile supply chains, this decision is an important commitment to free trade, diversification and international cooperation. The agreement strengthens economic resilience and expands Switzerland's presence in a strategically important growth region with over 270 million consumers.
Switzerland must not fall behind the EU
The pressure on Switzerland to act has increased. The EU has been applying its own Mercosur agreement since May 1, 2026 already provisionally. As a result, EU companies are gradually benefiting from better market access, lower customs duties and simpler trading conditions. For Swiss companies, this creates a concrete risk of discrimination.
Swiss exporters are often in direct competition with companies from the EU in Mercosur markets, for example in the pharmaceutical industry, mechanical engineering, precision instruments, chemical products, watches and foodstuffs. If EU suppliers benefit from customs advantages earlier, Swiss companies come under pressure in terms of price and strategy. This is exactly what Switzerland must prevent.
EUDR: no additional burden for a strategic agreement
The amendment introduced by the APK-N to adopt the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is critical. Deforestation-free supply chains are the right goal. However, the EUDR is highly complex and administratively cumbersome. The regulation has also been criticized by the Mercosur countries themselves as a one-sided rule with high compliance costs.
Rapid implementation by Switzerland could boomerang, especially as an additional burden for an important agreement in terms of trade policy. Switzerland should not adopt any additional regulation whose impact and practicability are still controversial even in the EU.
Now it's the National Council's turn
Now the National Council must follow suit. Precisely because the EU is already moving ahead, we now need a quick, streamlined and business-friendly approval - without new hurdles for Swiss companies. The link with the EUDR must therefore be rejected.
What will the EFTA-Mercosur agreement achieve?
- The export nation Switzerland gains better access to the South American market with great growth potential.
- The agreement promotes the diversification of Swiss trade relations in a geopolitically uncertain environment
- High tariffs are largely abolished and competitive disadvantages compared to competitors from the EU and other markets are eliminated.
- Legal certainty, investment conditions and the protection of intellectual property are improved.
- The agreement enshrines sustainability in law with clear commitments to climate, forest, marine and biodiversity protection as well as workers' rights.
For more information, see our dossier policy.
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