Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research EAER

In March 2026 the consumer sentiment index stood at –43 points. This is 8 points lower than in March 2025. The following sub-indices are lower than in March 2025: economic outlook, financial outlook and moment to make major purchases. The following sub-index has barely changed compared to March 2025: past financial situation.

Developing new materials and products that are harmless to both humans and the environment requires holistic approaches such as Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD). But how much effort does it take for companies to meet the associated requirements? A new Empa analysis now shows that many of these are already laid down in key EU legislation. Consistently implemented, SSbD thus helps companies to ensure regulatory compliance for innovations at an early stage, thereby avoiding costly missteps.

On 31.03.2026 the Federal Department of Economic Affairs EAER has amended annex 8 to the ordinance. In this process, 9 individuals were added to the annex and the entries of 132 individuals and 77 organizations were modified. The measures come into force at 11 pm on 1.04.2026.

At its meeting on 1 April, the Federal Council discussed the Section 301 investigations directed against Switzerland as well as other countries by the United States. The underlying allegations relate to alleged excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors, as well as measures which the US may consider insufficient to restrict the importation of goods produced with forced labour. The Federal Council rejects these allegations. Switzerland intends to present its views as part of the relevant US proceedings.

Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, New Zealand, Peru, Switzerland, Ukraine and Uruguay established a Statement on a Dialogue on Emerging Agricultural Trade Issues at the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) of the World Trade Organization in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The Statement establishes a forum that is expected to build trust and foster mutual understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainable agriculture, taking into account the diverse realities and approaches of WTO Members. It sends a strong signal that Members are willing to find new ways of engaging on issues of common concern.

The UN sanctions committee has amended the list of sanctioned individuals, companies and organizations. The SESAM database has been updated accordingly. On 4 March 2016 the Federal Council has adopted the Ordinance on the automatic application of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists. Hence, the amendments of the UN Security Council’s sanctions lists enter into force in Switzerland without delay.