Cristina Formaggia / Tibiis AG

What is your company’s core activity? What are your main markets (countries/areas)?

Tibiis is a company specialized in the international trading of steel products, with a primary focus on pipes, both welded and seamless. While pipes represent the core of our business, our operations are not limited exclusively to this product category. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide tailored solutions to meet the diverse and evolving needs of our clients.

Our sourcing strategy is built on a diversified and reliable supply network, with key procurement originating from China, Kazakhstan, and Turkey. This strategic approach allows us to cover a broad spectrum of manufacturing capabilities and product specifications. By leveraging the unique strengths of each sourcing region, we are able to ensure flexibility, optimize delivery times, and offer our clients the most suitable product at the right moment—whether in terms of quality, technical characteristics, or commercial conditions.

In terms of sales markets, Tibiis is active primarily in Europe and the United States. Within Europe, Italy represents our main area of activity, while in the United States our business is particularly concentrated in Texas. Our ability to respond promptly and efficiently to the specific demands of each market has positioned us as a reliable and competitive partner for customers operating in sectors such as energy, construction and manufacturing.

From your perspective, how does your industry perform and what is the market outlook?
From our perspective, the steel trading industry is becoming increasingly challenging across multiple dimensions. On the geopolitical front, ongoing and escalating global tensions—particularly those related to armed conflicts—are creating a highly unstable and unpredictable environment. Economically, the impact of sanctions, the intensifying trade wars, and the resurgence of protectionist policies have introduced significant volatility. These measures often take effect suddenly and without warning, increasing overall market risk and making it virtually impossible to establish reliable medium- to long-term forecasts or strategic plans.

Despite these difficulties, we believe that the very nature of a trading company lies in its ability to identify and seize opportunities hidden within every risk. At Tibiis, our relatively small size becomes a strategic advantage, allowing us to remain agile, adapt swiftly to changing market conditions, and revise our approach in real time. This flexibility enables us to navigate uncertainty more effectively and to continue delivering value to our clients even in a rapidly shifting global landscape.

What are the advantages of having your headquarters in / operating from Lugano, Switzerland?
Lugano—along with Switzerland as a whole—offers a historically rooted and highly supportive environment for trading activities, making it an ideal location for companies operating in this sector.

A key pillar of this ecosystem is the national and local banking system, which has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the trading industry. This long-standing institutional focus has cultivated a level of expertise and support infrastructure that is rarely found elsewhere in other countries.
In addition to this specialized financial environment, Switzerland offers a number of structural advantages that contribute significantly to the success and efficiency of businesses operating here. These include a highly flexible labor market, a rational and stable tax system, and a streamlined regulatory framework with minimal bureaucracy. Such conditions allow companies to focus their energy and resources on strategic development and growth, rather than being burdened by excessive administrative obligations.

When all these elements are taken into account, the benefits of being headquartered in Ticino, namely Mendrisio as it is for our company, become clear and compelling. The combination of the above said factors makes the prospect of relocating elsewhere not only unnecessary, but also strategically unwise.

Give a brief description of why you joined LCTA.
We joined LCTA because we believe that industry associations are becoming increasingly important in today’s complex and fast-evolving business environment. First and foremost, they provide valuable opportunities for networking through events that foster meaningful connections within the trading community.

Additionally, the continuous education and updates offered are essential in a world where regulatory, economic, and geopolitical changes are occurring with growing speed and complexity. Staying informed and adaptable is no longer optional—it’s a necessity.

Finally, the trading industry is largely composed of small to medium-sized enterprises. Collaborating through an organization like LCTA allows us to collectively represent our shared interests, strengthen our position in the market, and contribute to the development of the sector as a whole.