Amazon, the global e-commerce giant, has invited Swiss retailers to an event on May 3, 2023, to discuss a strategic initiative that has the potential to fundamentally change online retail in Switzerland.
Until now, many Swiss consumers were frustrated by the limited availability of products on Amazon, as they were often confronted with the message that an item could not be shipped to their selected delivery location. This has meant that Amazon has been less widespread in Switzerland than in other European countries.
However, this situation could soon change. According to Bernhard Egger, managing director of the Swiss Trade Association, the strategic initiative likely means Amazon will want to ship many more products to Switzerland in the future. One important reason for this is the elimination of industrial tariffs in 2024. Until now, traders in the EU who wanted to sell in Switzerland had to pay duty on their goods imported from third countries both in the EU and in Switzerland. With the elimination of customs duties in Switzerland, it will be more profitable for Amazon to sell more goods in Switzerland.
One way to achieve this could be to set up a warehouse in Switzerland. Amazon could then handle the customs clearance process for third-party sellers and sales partners on its platform, Egger said. Even if the obligation to declare imports and customs tariff numbers remains, this would reduce costs for third-party suppliers and make it more attractive for them to offer their goods in Switzerland.
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Overall, this strategic initiative shows that Amazon wants to strengthen its commitment in Switzerland. This could lead to a change in the retail industry in Switzerland and offer new opportunities for both retailers and consumers. It remains to be seen what specific steps Amazon will take, but there is no doubt that the company is aiming for a larger role in the Swiss retail market.
