How It Ticks: The Swiss Culture, Business & Life Podcast How the Swiss trade with China: The Secret to Their Success | Sebastian Huber
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Sep 15, 2025 In this insightful discussion, Sebastian Huber, a lecturer and luxury goods expert, shares his deep knowledge of Swiss-China trade relations. Dive into the origin of Swiss luxury, from music boxes to luxury watches, and discover why heritage and experience steer luxury economics. Huber explains the unique free trade agreement with China and contrasts the complexities of navigating today's controlled Chinese market. The conversation also touches on how Swiss brands manage geopolitical tensions while appealing to the growing Chinese luxury consumer base.
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China Thinks In Centuries
- China plans with a multi-century mindset and treats short-term setbacks as temporary transitions.
- Sebastian Huber says this long-term strategic view explains China’s persistent execution of big projects like rail links.
China's Overlapping Economic Realities
- China contains overlapping systems: Confucian tradition, remnants of planned economy, and market capitalism coexist.
- Huber explains this mix makes China hard to classify as purely capitalist or communist.
From Music Boxes To Swiss Watches
- Swiss watchmaking grew from musical boxes and immigrant craftsmen who pivoted skills into precision watches.
- Huber recounts how heritage, precision and early trade routes created Switzerland’s luxury roots.