Comprehensive risk dashboard from Coface with detailed risk assessments for 160 countries and 13 sectors
#Expert advice
In elite skiing, a single misjudged risk can end a career. In international trade, it can jeopardise an entire business. At Coface’s 30th anniversary celebrations in Switzerland, Olympic gold medallist Dominique Gisin and Coface expert Wolfgang Mohr explored what these two worlds can learn from each other when it comes to managing risk.
On October 1, 2025, the TEPA free trade agreement between Switzerland and India officially came into force. For Swiss SMEs, this represents a major opportunity to tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, with a consumer base of over 1.4 billion people. However, entering the Indian market remains complex. This guide highlights the key considerations for Swiss companies looking to export to India.
Swiss SMEs approach the future with cautious optimism. According to recent studies, 69% of employers consider their economic situation "good" or "very good", with only 3% reporting difficulties. However, behind this confidence lie major challenges: difficult economic conditions, digitalization, recruitment, and energy transition. In this race for competitiveness, an often underestimated pillar can put a company at risk: proactive accounts receivable management, crucial for protecting cash flow.
China offers Swiss companies significant growth opportunities. Yet entering this market requires preparation: even with the free trade agreement, barriers and regulations remain. Exporters should be aware of the practical requirements and the risks that come with doing business in the People’s Republic.
#Expert advice
A supplier’s bankruptcy isn’t just a minor disruption. It can trigger a chain reaction that affects your business at every level. You might assume the damage is limited to a missed delivery or an unpaid invoice. But the real impact often goes much deeper. Financial losses, operational slowdowns, reputational risks, and growing pressure on your internal teams are just the beginning. If you're running a SME, especially one dependent on custom parts or international supply chains, your supplier’s failure can echo through your business for months. So what does that really look like in practice? Let’s break it down, step by step.
Better assess your risks with Coface's global risk assessments for 160 countries and 13 sectors.
Coface assesses Italy’s economic situation critically, Switzerland’s fourth-largest trading partner. Low productivity, slow growth and tight fiscal space pose challenges. Coface’s “B” country risk assessment indicates an elevated probability of non‑payment on export receivables. For Swiss exporters, careful risk management is strongly recommended.
Debt collection can be challenging, especially when doing business internationally. While the process may seem straightforward in your home country, once you step outside familiar borders, the rules of engagement shift dramatically. Cultural norms, legal frameworks, and payment behaviour all vary, making it essential to tailor your collection strategy to each specific market.
As global economic uncertainty deepens, Swiss exporters are entering a more fragile phase. Coface has just released its quarterly update on country and sector risk assessments (June 2025), and the signals are clear: economic risks are rising for Swiss SMEs operating internationally. The downgrade of 23 sectors and 4 countries marks a significant turning point.
#Expert advice
Despite modest GDP growth projections and rising bankruptcies in key sectors, Switzerland has been ranked the world’s most competitive economy in 2025 by the IMD World Competitiveness Ranking 2025. As global uncertainties deepen—from U.S. policy shifts to trade tensions—Swiss exporters face both threats and historic opportunities. In this interview, Christian Moins, CEO of Coface Switzerland, explains how businesses can manage risk and secure growth in turbulent times.
Better assess your risks with Coface's global risk assessments for 160 countries and 13 sectors.
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