SEF 2025 Federal Council seeks extensive duty-free treatment for exports to the USA
In its negotiations with the USA, Switzerland is aiming for exemption from customs duties wherever possible. "Our maximum goal is to reduce or completely lower tariffs in as many areas as possible," said President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter at the Swiss Economic Forum.
05.06.2025, 15:29
SDA
With regard to the blanket import tariffs of ten percent and country-specific surcharges of up to 21 percent threatened by the USA, Keller-Sutter said at the start of the Swiss Economic Forum in Interlaken on Thursday: "I would not be satisfied with blanket 10 percent tariffs on Swiss products once the negotiations have been concluded."
The US administration of President Donald Trump announced a global blanket tariff of ten percent on US imports at the beginning of April. In addition, country-specific additional tariffs were to be imposed - in the case of Switzerland, 21 percent. However, the US President suspended these additional tariffs for ninety days shortly afterwards. This period expires on July 9.
In the interests of legal certainty for Swiss companies, it is important to find a solution to the customs issue in the negotiations with the USA before the deadline expires, emphasized Keller-Sutter. Many Swiss companies, including SMEs, are active in export-oriented industries. "They are suffering from the tariffs," continued the President of the Swiss Confederation. Nevertheless, there are indications that the USA wants to reach a result in the negotiations with Switzerland.
