Proposals have already been put forth by the Commission.
The Trump administration has announced a new tariff floor for countries with which the United States has a trade deficit, including Liechtenstein. Starting from August 1st, goods imported from Liechtenstein will be subject to a 15% tariff [1][2]. This rate is lower than the initially threatened 37% tariff and represents a reduction following negotiations or adjustments in the latest tariff plan released at the end of July 2025.
In contrast, Switzerland faces a much higher tariff of 39%, reflecting their separate trade balances with the U.S. and the outcomes of recent trade negotiations [2][4]. The difference in tariff rates between Liechtenstein and Switzerland is significant, with Liechtenstein benefiting from a lower rate.
The tariffs are part of the Trump administration's broader policy to set minimum tariff levels for deficit countries. Countries with a trade surplus face a lower 10% tariff, while deficit countries are charged at least 15%, with some strategic exceptions or negotiated rates for particular countries like Switzerland and Liechtenstein [1][2][4].
Some entrepreneurs and politicians in Liechtenstein may feel relief or satisfaction about the tariffs, while their Swiss neighbors are expressing astonishment, assigning blame, and complaining about the tariffs. However, the impact of these tariffs on the overall economy of Liechtenstein or the specific industries within it remains unclear.
It's important to note that the NZZ.ch website requires JavaScript for its functions, and users are advised to adjust their settings to enable JavaScript to access the full content. The tariffs on goods from Liechtenstein were negotiated jointly with other countries, suggesting a broader international trade policy.
Despite the relaxation, Liechtenstein's advantage over Switzerland remains limited due to the imposed tariffs. The tariffs are aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing, protecting national security, and offsetting income taxes by applying tariff floors based on trade deficits with specific countries [1][3].
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [3] Source 3 [4] Source 4
- Entrepreneurs and politicians in Liechtenstein might consider applying for exceptions or negotiating lower tariffs, given the higher tariffs imposed on Switzerland and the administration's policy of adjustable tariff rates based on politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news.
- As the tariffs on goods from Liechtenstein continue to affect their economy, political leaders may seek diplomatic channels for negotiations to reduce the tariff rates and maintain favorable trade relations during the ongoing war-and-conflicts worldwide and upcoming political changes.
