Switzerland and the United Kingdom conclude negotiations on a modernised free trade agreement
Berne, 13.07.2026 — At their meeting in Bern on 13 July, President of the Swiss Confederation Guy Parmelin and the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Peter Kyle, announced that negotiations had concluded on a modernised free trade agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom (UK).
Switzerland and the UK began negotiations to modernise their free trade relations in 2023. The previous strategy, known as Mind the Gap, had continued the trade relations established following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. The new agreement goes well beyond maintaining the status quo and places bilateral economic relations on a comprehensive and modern footing.
The agreement safeguards existing preferential arrangements in trade in goods and provides for targeted improvements to market access. At the same time, it expands and modernises the bilateral legal framework, particularly with regard to trade in services, investment, the mobility of service providers and digital trade. It also includes provisions on financial services, telecommunications, public procurement, intellectual property, trade and sustainable development, and small and medium-sized enterprises. The agreement thus goes significantly beyond the previous bilateral arrangements in several areas and strengthens legal certainty for businesses in both countries.
The agreement also sends a geopolitical signal. In an environment characterised by increasing fragmentation and uncertainty over trade policy, two major European economic powers outside the European Union are strengthening their strategic partnership and reaffirming their commitment to open markets, reliable rules and close economic cooperation. The agreement thus also contributes to the diversification and resilience of economic relations.
Once the legal formalities have been finalised, Switzerland and the UK will prepare for the signing of the agreement. The aim is to have the agreement signed by the end of 2026, followed by the required domestic approval procedures.
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