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To monitor the evolution of the commodity trading sector and assess its overall economic impact, LCTA conducted a survey among its members in fall 2025, involving exclusively trading companies. Despite the challenges faced in global markets, the detailed overview of sector performance for the period 2021\u20132023 reveals solid financial fundamentals, dynamic markets, a growing workforce, and employment structures aligned with the operational nature of the industry.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The results of the 2021\u20132023 survey<\/strong> conducted among member companies of the Lugano Commodity Trading Association (LCTA) confirm the sector\u2019s robustness despite global headwinds<\/strong>. Over 75%<\/strong> of the companies surveyed maintain their headquarters in Ticino<\/strong>, consolidating Lugano\u2019s role as an international trading hub<\/strong> and underscoring the Canton\u2019s strategic importance within the global commodities value chain<\/strong>. Lugano, December 3, 2025<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact<\/strong>: Monica Zurfluh, LCTA Secretary General, zurfluh@lcta.ch, M +41 79 220 40 71<\/p>\n\n\n\n LCTA is a non-profit association based in Lugano, founded in 2010. It currently has around fifty members, including some of the major operators in the commodity trading sector and its ecosystem. Ticino is a key global center for the trading of ferrous and non-ferrous metals\u2014particularly gold and steel\u2014as well as coal, coke, natural gas, and electricity<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Document <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Participant revenues recorded a significant increase in 2022, followed by a contraction in 2023, yet remained above 2021 levels, confirming an overall positive trajectory. Wage expenditure rose over the past two years, reflecting both workforce expansion and corporate performance. Furthermore, a cross verification with Cantonal Authorities shows that the tax contributions of the surveyed companies account for over 70% of the sector\u2019s consolidated tax revenue (federal, cantonal and municipal)<\/strong>, attesting to the economic relevance of the member companies<\/strong>.
Employment in the sector continues to expand<\/strong>, with cross-border workers consistently representing around 30% of the total staff. This confirms both its integration within the wider regional labor market<\/strong> and Ticino\u2019s ability to attract skilled local talent. Workforce structures remain predominantly focused on operational and specialist roles<\/strong>, although managerial positions \u2013 currently around 25% of the total \u2013 are gradually increasing. Projections estimate approximately 1,000 full-time equivalent positions in 2023 within trading companies alone<\/strong>, excluding employees of related service providers.
From an operational standpoint, the energy segment showed diverse trends<\/strong>: oil and fuels grew steadily; LNG experienced a strong rebound in 2023; gas and coal saw declines, likely linked to exogenous factors such as financial and insurance restrictions in European markets affecting coal. Metals also displayed divergent patterns<\/strong>: non-ferrous metals more than doubled in volume in 2022 and stabilized in 2023; ferrous metals declined structurally, partly driven by a reduction in volumes from Russia and Ukraine\u2014historically significant for traders in Ticino. Other commodities showed growth in 2022 and a moderate decline in 2023, confirming the sector\u2019s ability to realign towards higher-yielding or high-potential segments<\/strong>.
Overall, the data depict a mature and resilient sector, solidly anchored in the cantonal economy and capable of withstanding pressures linked to global competition and geopolitical risks. LCTA remains committed to investing in talent development and enhancing the region\u2019s attractiveness, thereby supporting Ticino\u2019s competitiveness on the international stage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n