Cross-border trade in the Upper Rhine region: opportunities, challenges and clear messages

Weil am Rhein, 7 November 2025 – Under the title ‘Upper Rhine: Trade without borders!’, the RegioTriRhena network invited representatives from politics, business and administration to Weil am Rhein Town Hall. The aim of the event was to highlight the importance of cross-border trade and develop common perspectives for the future.

All participants in the discussion spoke out clearly in favour of open borders and trade relations. ‘For consumers and lovers of art and culture, this is a wonderful situation – as long as the borders remain open,’ said Bernd Dallmann, President of Regio TriRhena. For companies that want to operate across borders, however, it is no laughing matter.

Julian Burkhard from BAK Economics Basel emphasised the economic relevance: around seven per cent of employees in the region work in retail, which generates eight billion euros in added value annually. Price differences between countries encourage shopping tourism – especially from Switzerland to Germany and France. Food is 29 per cent cheaper in Germany and 23 per cent cheaper in France than in Switzerland.
Alev Kahraman, manager of the Rheincenter in Weil am Rhein, reported that over 90 per cent of her customers come from Switzerland and France. However, the recent reduction in the duty-free limit from 300 to 150 euros has caused irritation. The change in consumer behaviour is also noticeable: ‘Younger people are increasingly buying online,’ added Stéphane De Brabander from Saint-Louis.

Lukas Ott, Head of Cantonal and Urban Development in Basel-Stadt, emphasised the social dimension: ‘One of the advantages of our region is the ability to shop across borders – for some households, this is even essential.’ Michela Seggiani, Member of the Grand Council of Basel-Stadt, spoke out in favour of fair wages and rents in order to make city centres attractive.

Despite the challenges, brick-and-mortar retail remains central. ‘Markets are places where people meet,’ said Seggiani. Philipp Frese, former president of the South Baden Trade Association, added: ‘The vast majority of trade continues to take place locally.’

There was agreement on one point: cross-border relations must be strengthened and maintained. ‘We must do everything we can to ensure that these connections remain in place,’ appealed Lukas Ott at the end of the event.