US tariffs in force for Switzerland - Federal Council informed in the afternoon

As the Federal Council announced on Platform X on Thursday morning, it will hold an extraordinary meeting in the early afternoon following the delegation's return from the USA. Information will follow afterwards. President Karin Keller-Sutter and Economics Minister Guy Parmelin traveled to Washington at short notice on Tuesday evening to make a new offer to the representatives of the US government and avert the threat of US tariffs at the last minute.

Shortly before the deadline for the introduction of the tariffs expired, US President Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that they would now come into force. In addition to Switzerland and the EU, almost 70 other countries are affected by the changed tariffs - to varying degrees in each case. Trump justifies his radical tariff policy with alleged trade deficits that pose a national security risk for the USA. A national emergency therefore applies, which justifies the tariffs.

Vague information after the meeting

After the meeting in Washington, the information from the Swiss and American sides remained vague. President Keller-Sutter wrote on X on Wednesday evening that they had discussed bilateral cooperation, the customs situation and international issues. There was also an exchange with leading US business representatives. The two Federal Councillors refrained from holding a press conference on site.

The US State Department announced that both sides had reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation in the area of defense. The importance of fair and balanced trade relations for the benefit of the American people was also discussed.