The 2025 edition of the Global Commodities Conference – the flagship event of the Lugano Commodity Trading Association (LCTA) – took place on June 23 and 24 at the iconic LAC Lugano. Over 200 industry leaders and professionals gathered for two dynamic days of insightful discussions exploring the shifting geopolitical landscape and its profound impact on financial markets and commodities trading.

This year’s conference was proudly supported by a distinguished lineup of sponsors: Fidinam Group Holding as Platinum Sponsor; Axion SWISS Bank as Dinner Sponsor; Gold Sponsors Banca Zarattini, Sirius Energy and Telf; and Silver Sponsors Cornèr Banca, Filhet-Allard Maritime and London Metal Exchange. Held under the patronage of the City of Lugano and bolstered by institutional partners including the Ticino Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Cc-Ti), SUISSENÉGOCE, and the Zug Commodity Association, the event was also amplified through a media partnership with Corriere del Ticino.

Certified Commodity Trading Specialist Diploma Ceremony

The conference opened with the diploma ceremony for the second cohort of the Certified Commodity Trading Specialist program, which concluded in January 2025. Fifteen of the seventeen graduates were recognized on stage by LCTA President Matteo Somaini and Cristina Campana of Alma Impact: Zoran Anastasov, Brando Berti, Andrea Crespi Bel’skij, Andrea Brambilla, Gabriella D’Aleo, Ievgeniia Dmukh, Alessio Figliolia, William Kucera, Svitlana Lomatschinsky, Riccardo Maffi, Lorenza Michelini, Stefano Negri, Kaveh Nicjoo, Massimiliano Zanetti, and Ilenia Zendri (absent: Raùl Blanco Cañeque and Meltem Meshur).

Alessio Figliolia received the Best Student Award from Alma Impact’s co-founder and President, Alberto Stival.

Fireside Chat with Sergio Ermotti

A standout moment was the fireside chat with Sergio P. Ermotti, Group CEO of UBS. Mr. Ermotti engaged with LCTA Vice-President Roberto Grassi and the audience on pressing topics including the global economic outlook and the ongoing integration of Credit Suisse, which is progressing well. Outside of Switzerland, the vast majority of clients have already transferred and, by the end of first quarter of 2026, clients in Switzerland will also have migrated.

Mr. Ermotti noted the remarkable resilience of financial markets despite geopolitical shocks, saying markets were surprisingly calm given recent events. Addressing the alleged dollar crisis, he emphasized the absence of viable alternatives due to structural and political constraints in other major currencies and capital markets.

On trade, Mr. Ermotti expressed cautious optimism about future agreements between the U.S., Europe (including Switzerland), and other regions, predicting a shift toward regionalism rather than a full-scale deglobalization, which he emphasized would lead to a severe contraction of global economies. He also reaffirmed UBS’s stance on the Federal Council’s proposed updates to the “too big to fail” banking regulations, cautioning that increased capital requirements raise costs and constrain lending, and underscoring that trust remains the core capital of banking.

Geopolitical Complexity and Industry Resilience

LCTA President Matteo Somaini welcomed attendees to the second day of the Global Commodity Conference 2025, acknowledging the need for trading companies to adapt their business model to the protectionism, to the uncertainty and to a fragmented global landscape while key partners, like banks, are facing their challenges and adjust at different paces.

He welcomed the diverse group of experts and emphasized the growing strategic relevance of Middle Eastern economies. He also pointed to Europe’s limited relevance in current global discussions. Finally, he acknowledged the recent geopolitical upheavals, emphasizing the unforeseen importance of these discussions today.

China and the Global Economy

In a compelling keynote, Professor Keyu Jin (HKUST Business School and Harvard) explored China’s shifting position in the global economy. Amid ongoing trade fragmentation and U.S.-China tensions, she described China as pursuing a strategy of recalibration—enhancing its self-reliance while remaining selectively open to global markets.

Jin noted that while China continues to protect its economic framework and political independence, it is also gradually opening sectors such as finance and services to private initiatives. Domestically, she acknowledged significant structural challenges, including a struggling real estate sector, low consumption, and regional disparities, but highlighted the dynamism of the younger, globally engaged generation as a potential catalyst for change.

Regarding technology, Jin observed that external restrictions—such as U.S. export controls—have spurred a stronger national focus on innovation, with China now aiming for leadership in emerging industries.

Her message underscored that China’s path is one of measured transformation, designed to manage disruptions, redefine trade patterns, and advance its technological development.

Geopolitical Shockwaves and Strategic Uncertainty: A World on the Edge

In her keynote, Emily Harding (Center for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS) reflected on recent geopolitical disruptions—including events in Iran and shifting global alliances—as signs of a broader shift in the international order.

She described how key powers like Russia, China, and the U.S. are increasingly shaping global dynamics through forceful, transactional approaches. U.S. policy under Trump, she noted, is marked by strategic decoupling from China in critical sectors, driven by efforts to bolster national resilience and reduce dependency. This approach is part of a broader populist doctrine that emphasizes economic sovereignty, challenges multilateral frameworks, and relies on strong domestic appeal.

Harding also addressed the internal pressures facing the U.S.—from inflation and inequality to institutional mistrust—alongside the accelerating impact of technologies like AI and biotechnology.

She concluded on a cautiously optimistic note, suggesting that while political volatility remains, technological innovation and a desire for stability among business leaders could help steer the system forward—if governance can keep pace.

The Certainty of Uncertainty: the Turbulent Future of Global Politics and Economics

In his keynote, economist and author Alan Friedman described the current geopolitical and economic climate as marked by persistent uncertainty, fueled by unpredictable leadership, volatile policies, and the global rise of populism.

He characterized President Trump’s approach to foreign and economic policy as protectionist and erratic, raising concerns about the impact of trade tariffs on global stability. In contrast, he noted China’s more deliberate, long-term strategy, particularly in its handling of international relations and economic planning.

Friedman pointed to increasing fragmentation in global politics, including closer ties among authoritarian regimes and growing political unrest in the U.S. He warned of the risks of deglobalization, shifting trade dynamics, and questions over the long-term strength of the U.S. dollar, while suggesting that Europe could emerge as a more attractive investment destination.

Closing his remarks, Friedman drew historical parallels with the interwar period, cautioning that today’s wave of populism and polarization could pose serious challenges to democratic institutions and global stability. He urged continued vigilance in navigating an increasingly unpredictable world.

Experts’ Roundtable: Energy, U.S.-China Rivalry, and AI

Moderated by James May (DITH), the panel discussion brought together Emily Harding (CSIS), Alan Friedman, Mattia Giussani (Sirius Energy), and Nikolai Litvinenko (Telf) tackled the pressing issues shaping today’s geopolitical and economic landscape.

The discussion began with Europe’s efforts to enhance energy independence in response to global disruptions, with panelists emphasizing the role of renewables and innovation in ensuring long-term energy security.

Attention then turned to the strategic competition between the U.S. and China, particularly in the context of manufacturing and control over renewable energy supply chains. While the challenges are considerable, the panel agreed that targeted investment and policy reform could help the U.S. strengthen its position.

Artificial intelligence featured prominently, with debate on its disruptive potential in sectors like energy and finance, the need for stronger cybersecurity, and concerns about its misuse in conflict scenarios. The session concluded with a shared call for greater international cooperation and diplomatic engagement as essential means to navigate uncertainty and support global stability.


Catch the highlights through our video and full photo coverage



As of June 4, 2025, the United States has raised the additional tariffs on steel, aluminum, and related imports from 25% to 50%. This higher rate applies to all goods entered into U.S. customs or removed from bonded storage for domestic use.

This measure was officially enacted through the Presidential Proclamation of June 3. The specific tariff classifications affected are detailed in the List of Aluminum HTS subject to Section 232 and the List of Steel HTS subject to Section 232.

Exceptions and special tariffs

Steel, aluminum and derivative products originating from the United Kingdom retain a reduced tariff rate of 25% until July 9, 2025.

Products containing primary aluminum melted or cast in Russia—or imported directly from Russia—are subject to a 200% duty on the total value (in practice, the trade of such products by Swiss and European companies is made impossible by current sanctions, particularly those under the 16th sanctions package).

Partial basis calculation

From June 4, 2025, the 50% tariff applies only to the portion of the product made of aluminum or steel. The remaining part is subject to any applicable reciprocal duties (set at 10% until July 9, after which country-specific reciprocal rates will take effect).

Declaration requirements

Importers are required to report the ISO country codes for the following stages of aluminum processing:

  • primarily melting (first smelting),
  • secondarily melting (from recycled material),
  • casting (transformation into solid form).

As of June 28, 2025, if the country of smelting and casting is unknown, the code “UN” must be used. This will lead to classification under HTS codes 9903.85.67 or 9903.85.68 and the imposition of a 200% tariff, the same rate applied to aluminum originating from Russia.

For steel and derivative products, importers must provide both the ISO code for the melting and casting country and an “applicability code” as follows:

  • for steel products: specify the country of original melting and casting
  • for derivatives: report the country where the steel was melted, or enter “OTH” (other) if the origin is unknown.

Other provisions

Tariffs imposed under Section 232 are not eligible for drawback, meaning no refunds will be issued.

The 50% tariff applies in addition to any other applicable customs duties (e.g., anti-dumping duties), but does not stack with reciprocal tariffs.

To avoid overlaps, the rules for cumulative tariff application have been revised. The updated order of precedence for applying different tariff types is as follows:

  • motor vehicles and components: 25%
  • steel and aluminum: 50%
  • IEEPA tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico: generally 25%, or 10% for certain products

This new priority order means that metals from Canada and Mexico are now fully subject to the 50% Section 232 tariff without any reduction.

To support accurate tariff classification, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued the following guidance:

The CSMS #65236574 notice provides clarifications on the cumulative application of tariffs and the correct order of their imposition.

Additional useful documents:



As part of the proposed budget relief measures for 2027, the federal government is considering reducing its financial support for regional aerodromes.

LCTA joins ASPASI (the Association of Passengers and Airports of Southern Switzerland (ASPASI), the Ticino Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Cc-Ti), the Ticino Banking Association (ABT), and other economic and tourism associations in Ticino in voicing concern over the potential consequences of cutting the approximately 5 million Swiss francs in annual funding currently allocated to Lugano-Agno Airport.
As the only airport located south of the Alps, Lugano Airport holds strategic importance at the national level and deserves full recognition. Its strong emphasis on business travel also makes it a vital asset for the competitiveness of the Ticino economic region.

ASPASI Press Release, in Italian (April 16, 2025)



Steel, aluminum, and their derivatives will be subject to an additional 25% duty upon importation into the United States beginning March 12, 2025. The regulation, formalized by two notices from the US customs agency, marks a further tightening of the Country’s trade policy.

In February, President Trump enacted two proclamations – Adjusting Imports of Aluminum into the United States (#10895) e Adjusting Imports of Steel into the United States (#10896) – which bolster the tariffs established under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act. The measure not only affirms the 25% duty on steel imports but also escalates the aluminum tariff from 10% to 25% and extends to derivative products effective from March 12, 2025.

The measure’s extension impact multiple product categories:

  • aluminum and derivatives: items classified under tariff chapters 66, 76, 83, 84, 85, 87, 88, 90, 94, 95, and 96.
  • steel and derivatives: items classified under tariff chapters 72, 73, 84, 85, 87, and 94

The measures eliminate all types of preferential treatment, encompassing absolute quotas, tariff quotas, and exemptions for specific countries. Additionally, they terminate previously approved general exclusions (General Approved Exclusions, GEA), retaining only those specific exclusions recorded in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system, which remain valid until their expiration or until the authorized volume is depleted.

Only products manufactured from molten steel or extruded aluminum within the United States will be exempt from the heightened duties. The duty for any other derivatives will be determined based on the value of the base metal.

No duty drawback will be available for these imposed duties. Moreover, steel, aluminum, and their derivatives entering US free zones from March 12, 2025, will obtain “privileged foreign” status and will be subject to duties when entered into the U.S. for consumption.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has produced two operational documents to elucidate the implementation of the new measures:

The two documents list the subheadings of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) required for import declaration and offer comprehensive guidelines for accurately declaring aluminum and steel content, including the country of “melt and pour” (for aluminum: this also applies when recycled materials are utilized).

Comparison of tariff subheadings

Which tariff subheadings in chapter 99 correspond to the different steel and aluminum items? Refer to our summary table!



The European Commission proposes to streamline the rules on sustainability by changing the scope and timing of the adoption of the CSRD, CSDDD, CBAM and EU Taxonomy.

On February 26, 2025 the European Commission adopted the Omnibus package, a new package of proposals aimed at simplifying EU regulations, enhancing competitiveness, and facilitating increased investment capacity. The legislation encompassed in the package includes the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Taxonomy Regulation.

The following is a succinct overview of the suggested changes, without claiming to be exhaustive:

CSRD

  • limitation of reporting companies’ scope to those with >1’000 employees;
  • “value chain cap”: a voluntary reporting standard will be implemented for companies outside the CSRD scope, restricting the information that in-scope companies or banks can solicit from companies in their value chains with <1’000 employees;
  • postponement of reporting obligations by two years for large companies and listed SMEs (so-called Wave 2 and 3);
  • revision of the European Sustainability Reporting standards (“ESRS”) to reduce data points, clarify unclear provisions and enhance alignment with other regulations;
  • deletion of sector-specific standards requirement;
  • removal of the reasonable assurance standard.

CSDDD

  • postponement of the transposition deadline and the application date for the first wave of companies by one year, now set for July 27 and July 2028 respectively, while the adoption of the necessary guidelines has been advanced to July 2026;
  • exemption from the requirement to systematically conduct thorough assessments of adverse impacts in complex value chains; full due diligence is required only when plausible information suggests such impacts;
  • further simplification of sustainability due diligence requirements, including an extension to 5 years for the intervals between periodic assessments and updates, streamlining of stakeholder engagement obligations, and the removal of the requirement to terminate business relationships as a last resort measure;
  • restriction on the information that in-scope companies may solicit from their SME and small midcap business partners (i.e. companies <500 employees) to that specified in the CSRD voluntary sustainability reporting standards (VSME standard); additional information may only be requested if essential for conducting the mapping and cannot be acquired through other reasonable methods;
  • deletion of the obligation to terminate as a last resort: companies would only be required to halt engagements pertaining to the relevant activity.

CBAM

  • exemption from CBAM obligations for small importers (<50 tons per year);
  • simplification of declarants’ authorization, embedded emissions’ calculation, reporting requirements and compliance with financial liabilities for CBAM in-scope importers.

The Commission confirms its intention to broaden the scope of CBAM to encompass other sectors within the existing emissions trading scheme and downstream products, with a legislative proposal expected by 2026.

Taxonomy

  • voluntary Taxonomy reporting for CSRD in-scope companies (>1’000 employees) with a net turnover of up to EUR 450 million;
  • simplification of reporting templates;
  • simplifications of Taxonomy-based KPIs for banks by excluding exposures from the Green Asset Ratio (GAR) for companies not included in the future scope of the CSRD.

Useful links



The EU Forced Labour Regulation entered into force on December 13, 2024. It will take effect on December 14, 2027 prohibiting the placement and availability of goods produced by forced labour on and from the EU market.

The Regulation (EU) 2024/3015 on prohibiting products made with forced labour on the Union market (Forced Labour Regulation, FLR), aligns the definition of “forced labour” (or “compulsory labour”) with the International Labour Organization Convention No. 29 (Forced Labour Convention). It encompasses all work or service “which is exacted from any person under the menace of any penalty and for which the said person has not offered himself voluntarily”, or used as a method of coercion, punishment, discipline, or discrimination.

The FLR applies to all goods sold in or exported from the European Union, regardless of geographic origin or industry and without value thresholds: effective December 14, 2027, products and their components will be banned from the market if forced labour is employed at any stage of their production, manufacture, harvesting, or extraction, in whole or in part, including any work or processing associated with the product at any of these stages.

The Regulation does not introduce additional human rights due diligence obligations on businesses, but strengthens the Member States’ legislation on forced labour and the EU frameworks, including the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD). While the CSDDD establishes due diligence obligations regarding forced labour impacts for businesses across the value chain but does not include provisions to ban the importation of products into the EU market, the FLR implements mechanisms for the ban, withdrawal or disposal of goods made with forced labour, requiring products to be recycled, rendered inoperable, or destroyed.

By December 14, 2025, Member States are required to appoint a competent authority and notify the European Commission, which will publish the authorities’ list in the so-called “Forced Labour Single Portal”. The portal, to be established by June 14, 2026, will also serve as a repository for decisions and guidelines for businesses, including due diligence procedures and best practices for termination and remediation of different types of forced labour. The European Commission is also required to establish a public database detailing forced labour risks in specific geographic areas, products or product categories, including forced labour imposed by state authorities. Decisions regarding the prohibition, withdrawal, or disposal of products will be acknowledged throughout the Member States. Businesses failing to comply with a decision under the Regulation may incur in fines.

Recommendations

Businesses have three years to assess the existence of forced labour risks within their supply chains, whether directly through their import or export activities or indirectly via reliance on imported or exported products, and to map their potential exposure. Concurrently, they should also ensure the inclusion of appropriate clauses in contracts with their suppliers to mitigate the risk of certain products being held at the EU border, resulting in market withdrawal or disposal.



Dear Members and extended Community,

as we bid farewell to 2024 and embrace new beginnings, we would like to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the trust and cooperation you have shown us. To be more specific, dear Members, your support has been vital to our journey, and we are extremely grateful to have you by our side.

The year has been once again a difficult one, with commodity traders facing daily challenges that have been further exacerbated by an increasing political interference in market activities. Fortunately, the sector has proven time and time again that it has what it takes to overcome these obstacles, but in an ever-changing environment, knowledge, training, experience sharing, and a competitive and attractive business location are cornerstones. Thus, in 2025 the LCTA will continue its efforts to offer valuable training and networking opportunities while also maintaining an open line of communication with authorities and other significant stakeholders.

During our discussions with such key players, we regrettably noticed that the sector’s significance is frequently undervalued. To address the shortage of accurate baseline statistic data and gain stronger bargaining power, the LCTA will therefore launch a substantial Industry Assessment and Data Collection survey. To safeguard your privacy, we will use state-of-the-art cryptography. We will delve deeper into this matter in the coming months, but for the time being, just know how important your input is: help us serve you!

In the meantime, we wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a New Year filled with opportunities, renewed partnerships, and continued growth.

Warmest regards,

Matteo Somaini, President & Monica Zurfluh, Secretary General



On December 5, 2024, at Hotel Splendide Royal in Lugano, the LCTA held the «Commodity Roundtable» alongside its Annual General Meeting. The event featured the participation of Swiss Ambassador Monika Schmutz Kirgöz as guest of honor, attracted over 120 participants from across Switzerland and highlighted the adaptability of commodity traders to escalating geopolitical risks and increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks.

In conjunction with its 14th Ordinary General Meeting, the Lugano Commodity Trading Association (LCTA) sought to assess the prevailing landscape amid another demanding year by convening a panel discussion with several members on a critical topic: geopolitical challenges and constraints on free trade.

The event opened with introductory remarks from LCTA President Matteo Somaini emphasizing that commodity traders continue to navigate unchartered waters following a year marked by increasing political intervention in market activities and unprecedented challenges for the sector. The baton was then handed over to the guest of honor, Swiss Ambassador Monika Schmutz Kirgöz. Currently head of mission in Rome and previously serving in Tel Aviv, Istanbul and Beirut, Ambassador Schmutz Kirgöz will assume leadership of the Middle East and North Africa Division of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) starting January 2025. At the event, she conveyed her firsthand experience in the Middle East and emphasized the critical transitional phase the world is undergoing, characterized by a pivotal geopolitical shift towards a new multipolarity, coupled with the rise of artificial intelligence as a transformative force, with substantial implications for the business sector.

The remarks of Ambassador Schmutz Kirgöz contributed to prompt a panel discussion moderated by LCTA Vice President Roberto Grassi, featuring also Costanza Eufemi (Co-founder of Lyra Commodities SA), Mattia Giussani (Head of Power Origination of Sirius Energy SA) and Roger Hughes (COO and Risk Manager of DITH). The discussion addressed Europe’s decline in productivity and technology, its emergence as regulatory power, and the winners and losers of the sanctions war. Panelists recognized that while segments of the commodity trading sector have lost part of their business and were forced to seek alternative suppliers or customers, there have also been positive developments. Specifically, Europe’s concerted initiative to achieve energy independence through the diversification of energy sources and the promotion of renewable energy has benefited trading companies engaged in these areas, , or supporting the development of required infrastructures.

China’s growing global influence is also undeniable: the Asian powerhouse plays a pivotal role in the global supply chain of essential raw materials and it is also expanding its reach by strategically securing mines and resources in regions such as Africa and South America, often in exchange for building infrastructures or by integrating the entire value chain, from extraction to production, thereby gaining a competitive advantage over its competitors. Moreover, China has stakes in or oversees various vital ports around the world, including the Port of Piraeus in Greece, the Port of Gwadar in Pakistan, and the recently inaugurated Chancay port in Peru, just to name a few. The Chinese control of critical infrastructure is evidence of a farsighted and well coordinate strategic approach, although it raises concerns, since it may serve as a mechanism for geopolitical leverage.

Overall, the panel examined how the interplay between deglobalization and trade protectionism affects business decisions and investments patterns, leading to redundancies within supply chains to bolster corporate resilience and ensure operational continuity. Despite the objective challenges, a positive picture of commodity trading companies that are adaptable and flexible in rapidly evolving markets, customer-centric, and innovative in problem-solving in areas such as logistics and risk management, has arisen from the discussion. A discussion that culminated with a cherry on top. Although the topic was not explicitly discussed, the response to a legitimate yet provocative question from the audience was unequivocal: Ticino, and Switzerland more broadly, maintain favorable framework conditions and as long as the regulatory framework remains business friendly, they remain the preferred locations for commodity traders to conduct business.

Lugano, December 6, 2024
For further information: Monica Zurfluh, Secretary General, LCTA, zurfluh@lcta.ch, M +41 79 220 40 71



LCTA is honored to report that on Wednesday, November 28, 2024 its President Matteo Somaini was reelected as a Member of the Executive Board of the Swiss umbrella association SUISSENÉGOCE for the term 2024-2026.

In this capacity, he will not only continue to advocate for the interests of our Members and represent our Association, but also engage in critical discussions about the commodity trading sector within a committee comprised of senior representatives from leading commodity trading companies and financial institutions, alongside our sister organization, the Zug Commodity Association (ZCA).

We congratulate Matteo and the newly elected Executive Board of SUISSENÉGOCE, wishing them productive deliberations!

In today’s budget announcement, the UK Government has released its comprehensive response to the CBAM consultation held earlier this year, confirming that the UK CBAM will impose a carbon price on goods imported from the aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, iron, and steel sectors beginning January 1, 2027. Commodity codes falling within the scope of UK CBAM are listed in Annex B.

Products from the glass and ceramic sectors will be exempted from CBAM in its initial rollout.

The registration threshold is set at £50,000 for CBAM goods imported into the UK within a 12-month timeframe.

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© LCTA – made by studio daulte