Trade Federal Council adopts draft for customs negotiation mandate with USA
The draft negotiating mandate for a trade agreement with the USA is now available. The Federal Council approved it on Friday and will next consult the relevant parliamentary committees and the cantons.
05.12.2025, 13:47
SDA
The basis for the negotiating mandate is the legally non-binding declaration of intent issued by Switzerland and the USA on November 14. According to this, the current additional tariffs of 39% are to be replaced by a flat rate of 15%.
The points set out in the memorandum of understanding are now to be fleshed out. This applies, among other things, to tariff concessions on goods from the USA - although the USA must also be prepared to make concessions. On the Swiss side, additional tariff concessions must be compatible with agricultural policy.
As before, Switzerland does not want to levy customs duties on electronic transmissions. According to the press release, the Federal Council confirms that it will continue to refrain from introducing a digital services tax. Swiss companies want to invest at least 200 billion dollars in the USA within five years.
