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The twenty imports Switzerland is best placed to replace.

Switzerland imported USD 229bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 261bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 6.8bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
561products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
670products Switzerland already exports well
1798product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Switzerland already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Switzerland would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Switzerland does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels, principally designed for the transport of persons, ferry boats of...HS 890110

    Comes fromItaly 92%, 9 source countries
    Nearest export strengthBoilers: super-heated water boilers
    Exports of this lineUSD 20m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 83m
    Countries that export it well18

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 1.1bn, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1); Italy supplies 92 per cent (2).

    USD 1.1bndown 51% on 2022
  2. 2

    Turbo-jets: of a thrust exceeding 25kNHS 841112

    Comes fromPoland 57%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions... (exports USD 1.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 153m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 641m
    Countries that export it well12

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 741m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); Poland supplies 57 per cent (1).

    USD 741mup 64% on 2022
  3. 3

    Vehicles: with both compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) and electric motor...HS 870350

    Comes fromGermany 50%, 26 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTanks and other armoured fighting vehicles: motorised, whether or... (exports USD 265m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 11 more lines in the heading, USD 12bn
    Countries that export it well11

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 466m, top 3 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 21 per cent (2); Germany supplies 50 per cent (1).

    USD 466mdown 30% on 2022
  4. 4

    Machinery: for filtering or purifying liquids, n.e.c. in item no. 8421.2HS 842129

    Comes fromGermany 43%, 67 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions... (exports USD 1.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 76m; 7 more lines in the heading, USD 729m
    Countries that export it well13

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 227m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 19 per cent (2); Germany supplies 43 per cent (1).

    USD 227mdown 41% on 2022
  5. 5

    Vehicles: with only compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of...HS 870422

    Comes fromGermany 51%, 23 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTanks and other armoured fighting vehicles: motorised, whether or... (exports USD 265m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 61m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 1.7bn
    Countries that export it well15

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 215m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); Germany supplies 51 per cent (1).

    USD 215mup 53% on 2022
  6. 6

    Vehicle parts: road wheels and parts and accessories thereofHS 870870

    Comes fromGermany 61%, 64 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTanks and other armoured fighting vehicles: motorised, whether or... (exports USD 265m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 44m; 12 more lines in the heading, USD 1.2bn
    Countries that export it well15

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 195m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1); Germany supplies 61 per cent (2).

    USD 195mup 4% on 2022
  7. 7

    Fuel elements (cartridges): non-irradiatedHS 840130

    Comes fromGermany 100%, 4 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions... (exports USD 1.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4k
    Countries that export it well9

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 155m, top 13 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2); Germany supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 155mup 57% on 2022
  8. 8

    Steel, stainless: bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coilsHS 722100

    Comes fromItaly 79%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSteel, stainless: bars and rods, cold-formed or cold-finished (exports USD 93m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m
    Countries that export it well11

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 126m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 17 per cent (2); Italy supplies 79 per cent (2).

    USD 126mdown 40% on 2022
  9. 9

    Rail locomotives: powered from an external source of electricityHS 860110

    Comes fromGermany 100%, 4 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRailway or tramway coaches, vans and trucks: self-propelled, powered... (exports USD 418m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 5m
    Countries that export it well9

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 123m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); Germany supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 123mfrom USD 13m in 2022
  10. 10

    Enzymes and prepared enzymes: other than rennet and concentrates thereofHS 350790

    Comes fromUnited States 63%, 43 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAdhesives: prepared, based on polymers of heading 3901 to 3913 or on... (exports USD 258m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 91m
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 94m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2); United States supplies 63 per cent (2).

    USD 94mdown 31% on 2022
  11. 11

    Aircraft and spacecraft: parts of aeroplanes, helicopters or unmanned aircraft n.e.c. in heading no. 8807HS 880730

    Comes fromUnited States 49%, 93 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned: of an unladen weight... (exports USD 1.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 328m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 138m
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 862m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 27 per cent (1); United States supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 862mup 20% on 2022
  12. 12

    Medical, surgical instruments and appliances: catheters, cannulae and the likeHS 901839

    Comes fromUnited States 41%, 71 source countries
    Nearest export strengthOrthopaedic or fracture appliances (exports USD 2.1bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 427m; 4 more lines in the heading, USD 300m
    Countries that export it well15

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 638m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); United States supplies 41 per cent (1).

    USD 638mup 21% on 2022
  13. 13

    Reagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared diagnostic or laboratory reagents whether or not on...HS 382219

    Comes fromUnited States 31%, 90 source countries
    Nearest export strengthReagents: diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, prepared... (exports USD 153m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 185m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 74m
    Countries that export it well13

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 579m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2).

    USD 579mup 12% on 2022
  14. 14

    Wine: sparklingHS 220410

    Comes fromFrance 57%, 58 source countries
    Nearest export strengthNon-alcoholic beverages: other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in... (exports USD 984m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 10m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 1.0bn
    Countries that export it well9

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 243m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 33 per cent (1); France supplies 57 per cent (1).

    USD 243mdown 5% on 2022
  15. 15

    Medicaments: containing corticosteroid hormones, their derivatives or structural analogues (but not containing...HS 300432

    Comes fromSpain 46%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMedicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in... (exports USD 42bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 141m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 65m
    Countries that export it well20

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 226m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1); Spain supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 226mup 60% on 2022
  16. 16

    Gears and gearing: (not toothed wheels, chain sprockets and other transmission elements presented separately): ball or...HS 848340

    Comes fromGermany 59%, 63 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions... (exports USD 1.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 343m; 5 more lines in the heading, USD 377m
    Countries that export it well15

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 188m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (1); Germany supplies 59 per cent (1).

    USD 188mdown 8% on 2022
  17. 17

    Aluminium: foil, (not backed), rolled (but not further worked), of a thickness not exceeding 0.2mmHS 760711

    Comes fromGermany 81%, 43 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: plates, sheets and strip, thickness exceeding 0.2mm... (exports USD 754m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 14m
    Countries that export it well15

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 186m, top 10 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1); Germany supplies 81 per cent (2).

    USD 186mdown 21% on 2022
  18. 18

    Fork-lift and other works trucks: fitted with lifting or handling equipment, self-propelled by electric motorHS 842710

    Comes fromGermany 55%, 29 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions... (exports USD 1.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 13m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 82m
    Countries that export it well10

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 184m, top 10 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2); Germany supplies 55 per cent (1).

    USD 184mup 22% on 2022
  19. 19

    Plastics: plates, sheets, film, foil, tape, strip, other flat shapes thereof, self-adhesive, other than in rolls of a...HS 391990

    Comes fromGermany 48%, 93 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPolyamides: n.e.c. in heading no. 3908, in primary forms (exports USD 512m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 56m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 92m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 157m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 19 per cent (2); Germany supplies 48 per cent (1).

    USD 157mup 4% on 2022
  20. 20

    Engines: parts for internal combustion piston engines (excluding spark-ignition)HS 840999

    Comes fromGermany 61%, 81 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMachines and mechanical appliances: having individual functions... (exports USD 1.3bn)
    Exports of this lineUSD 218m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 67m
    Countries that export it well28

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 157m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Switzerland's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); Germany supplies 61 per cent (2).

    USD 157mdown 10% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Switzerland already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological... imports USD 2.6bn, exports USD 2.1bn, top source United States 36%
  • Medicaments: containing hormones (but not insulin), adrenal cortex hormones or... imports USD 3.1bn, exports USD 2.7bn, top source Austria 73%
  • Watch straps, watch bands, watch bracelets, and parts thereof: of base metal... imports USD 408m, exports USD 128m, top source France 33%
  • Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological... imports USD 673m, exports USD 439m, top source Singapore 36%
  • Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological... imports USD 5.4bn, exports USD 5.2bn, top source United States 37%
  • Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no.... imports USD 42bn, exports USD 42bn, top source Slovenia 46%
  • Heat pumps: other than air conditioning machines of heading no. 8415 imports USD 220m, exports USD 78m, top source Germany 51%
  • Wood: assembled flooring panels, not of bamboo or with at least the top layer... imports USD 167m, exports USD 40m, top source Germany 31%
  • Railway or tramway rolling stock: parts n.e.c. in heading no. 8607 imports USD 212m, exports USD 103m, top source Germany 52%
  • Amine-function compounds: aromatic monoamines and their derivatives: salts... imports USD 148m, exports USD 39m, top source Germany 78%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 1798 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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