Trade Federal Council currently refrains from countermeasures to US tariffs
Following the announcement of high US tariffs on Swiss exports, the Federal Council has decided not to take immediate countermeasures. An increase in trade tensions is not in Switzerland's interest.
03.04.2025, 15:00
03.04.2025, 16:14
SDA
In its statement on Thursday, the Federal Council also fears that countermeasures on the part of Switzerland would be associated with costs for the Swiss economy. In particular, imports from the USA would become more expensive.
According to the announcement, all Swiss goods exports would be subject to 31 or 32 percent customs duties when imported into the USA. Compared to other US trading partners with a similar economic structure, Switzerland would thus be faced with particularly high additional tariffs.
Swiss exports are expected to be subject to additional tariffs of 10 percent from Saturday (April 5) and a further 21 percent from Wednesday (April 9). "The calculations of the US government are not comprehensible to the Federal Council," the statement said.
According to the Federal Council, important export products such as machinery, watches and agricultural goods such as coffee capsules, energy drinks, cheese and chocolate will be affected by the additional tariffs. However, no additional tariffs are currently planned for exports from the pharmaceutical industry.
The Federal Council now wants to analyze the measures announced by US President Donald Trump and their impact on Switzerland in greater depth. It is in contact with the affected industries and the US authorities.
