How did Switzerland import food and materials in WW2?

One thing that I have often wondered about is how did Switzerland import food and materials from overseas in WW2? Since during most of the war they were surrounded by Germany and Germany's allies, how did their imports make it to the country without being seized by either side? Also as the Western Allies stepped up attacks on the German control transportation system, how did the trains to Switzerland avoid being attacked?

One of the reasons for these questions is that I have read that the Swiss provide Germany with electricity and manufactured goods during the war. Since they have limited natural resources how did they import what was need to feed their workers, maintain their electric grid, and supply their factories?

Thank you
 
As you might imagine Switzerland was totally reliant on the Axis nations for trade after the fall of France. Switzerland's exports and imports declined dramatically and the government implemented strict rationing alongside a crash self-sufficiency program, nonetheless they imported about 20% of their food from the Axis, alongside coal, rubber, and other raw materials they didn't have any deposits of.
 
Already in April 1939 the Swiss parliament approved a resolution for the increase of agricultural production. Friedrich Traugott Wahlen planned the so-called "cultivation battle" as a chief civil servant in the Swiss Federal Office for War Nourishing. Every green area that seemed to be usable was cultivated according to the " Wahlen Plan" with bread grain, vegetables or potatoes. The cultivated area almost tripled till the end of war, the self-sufficiency degree rose from 52 % in 1939 to 59 % (compared to pre-war consumption), which meant 80 % considering the scarcer rations during war . Still, 20 % of food had to be imported. Raw materials like metals, rubber, coal and all sorts of fuel etc. had to be imported almost completely because there are no significant deposits in Switzerland.

There was also major rationing of food and raw materials.
 
Until November 1942 the Lausane railway connection allowed some transit through unoccupied France. This annoyed the Germans & they made efforts to interfere.
 
Bloke on the range on Youtube has made an excellent video about Switzerland during the wars.


Well worth subscribing to the channel especially if you are a gun nerd.
 
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