Easier trade of processed agricultural products between EC and Switzerland

EU exporters of processed agricultural products can now take advantage of easier access to Switzerland and vice versa. Products exported from the EU to Switzerland will not receive any export refunds. On the Swiss side, agricultural levies and export refunds will be substantially reduced and limited to the maximum price difference for the inputs of raw materials that exist between the two markets. Exports and imports of sugar containing products are totally liberalised on both sides. Likewise, no agricultural levies will be payable on products imported from Switzerland into the EU. These new trade rules are part of the bilateral agreements between the EU and Switzerland, which were signed on 26 October 2004 in Luxembourg. The food processing industry is the third biggest EU industry employing some 2.7 million people with more than 26,000 companies across the EU.