Trade Breitling boss is pleased about the reduction in US tariffs
The reduction in US tariffs on Swiss products is particularly good news for the local watch industry. "We are very pleased about the reduction in US tariffs from 39 percent to 15 percent," said Georges Kern, head of the Breitling watch brand.
17.11.2025, 10:44
17.11.2025, 10:45
SDA
The new deal shows that "Team Switzerland" with the support of the Swiss economy has been effective, Kern explained when asked by the news agency AWP. At the same time, he expressed quiet disappointment that Swiss watch manufacturers were not completely exempt from the increased tariffs and that the original tariff rate of two percent no longer applies.
"Our products do not take jobs away from anyone in the USA," Kern emphasized in his statement. "We are exclusively Swiss Made and this is also one of the reasons why our products are also bought in the USA."
Strong US growth expected after shutdown
Meanwhile, according to the Breitling CEO, the US market "continues to be very strong" with "robust" growth. "Thanks to our broad presence in the US, we are very confident about future developments. The temporary consumer reluctance we observed in the fall was mainly due to the government shutdown, not the new tariffs."
For weeks, large parts of government business in the US remained closed due to a budget dispute in parliament. This led to uncertainty among US consumers. Now that the shutdown has ended, Kern expects a "swift recovery" in the US. He expects Breitling to return to double-digit growth rates. The partnership entered into with the US professional football league NFL should have a supporting effect, he added.
Switzerland and the USA announced a declaration of intent to reduce customs duties on Friday. Among other things, the agreement also provides for high levels of investment by Swiss companies in the USA. However, the deal has not yet been signed. Once it comes into force, the same tariff rate would apply as in the EU.
