Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin signed the deal with the British Secretary of State for International Trade, Liam Fox, in the Swiss capital on Monday.
The new deal will replace those with the European Union (EU) and cover the 1972 Free Trade Agreement, the Agreement on Public Procurement, the Agreement on the Fight against Fraud, part of the Agreement on Mutual Recognition in Relation to Conformity Assessment and the 1999 Agreement on Agriculture.
However, other EU agreements on equivalency in certain areas like agriculture and customs cannot be replicated in their entirety at this stage, said a government statement.
The new trade deal will come into effect after the end of the Brexit transition period. Should the UK leave the EU without a deal on March 29, then the deal with Switzerland will be applicable from March 30. An additional agreement was also signed that applies the provisions of the Swiss-UK trade deal to Liechtenstein as well.
In 2017, the UK was the sixth-biggest market for Swiss exports (CHF11.4 billion, $11.36 billion) and the eighth-largest source of imports (CHF6 billion).
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Swiss-British treaty extends worker residency rights post-Brexit
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The residency rights of Swiss and British nationals already living in each other’s countries will be guaranteed after Britain leaves the EU.
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Zurich arbitration authority rules in favour of tenants of ‘Sugus Houses’
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A conciliation authority says the terminations of 105 flat leases in the so-called "Sugus Houses" in the centre of Zurich were abusive. The tenants therefore do not have to move out - at least for the time being.
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Visitors to Switzerland spent CHF19.6 billion ($23.9 billion) last year, a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on Monday.
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Despite the current tense economic situation, Swiss consumer sentiment remains positive. The Swiss spent more money in May than the previous year, particularly on restaurant visits and leisure activities, as shown by the latest figures released by PostFinance.
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A bear killed four sheep in the Lower Engadine region near Scuol, canton Graubünden, last week. This was the first bear attack on local livestock in four years.
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Experts believe that economic development in Switzerland will be weaker in 2026 than the forecasts made three months ago. They have also lowered their predictions for the current year.
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Fewer people in Switzerland have a religious affiliation and the proportion who practice their religion regularly is steadily declining, a survey finds.
Study: trees have major cooling effect even in extreme heat
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Plane trees in cities have an important cooling effect even in extreme heat, according to a new study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
EPFL launches digitised version of Battle of Murten panorama
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To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Murten on 22 June 1476, the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) has launched a website that offers the public an immersive experience of the huge panorama painting of the historic battle.
77th Swiss Gymnastics Festival praised for ‘positive energy’
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The 77th Federal Gymnastics Festival drew to a close on Sunday in Lausanne, after eleven days of popular celebration and sporting performances.
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Brits in Switzerland wonder about their rights amid Brexit countdown
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Can British citizens in Switzerland feel reassured about their post-Brexit situation following a complicated deal between Switzerland and the UK?
Brits will have to pay for travel permits to EU and Switzerland
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British travellers are set to have to pay €7 for a three-year pre-travel authorisation to visit the EU – and Switzerland – after Brexit.
Swiss government approves trade agreement with Britain
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The Federal Council has approved the text of a trade agreement with Britain, aiming to maintain existing economic and trade relations after Brexit.
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Just when British Prime Minister Theresa May thought things couldn’t get any worse, Britain is being openly mocked by the Swiss.
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.