U.S. seeks resolution with Switzerland, Swiss President remarks following tariff discussions in Washington
Let's Get Down to Business: America's Tariff Talks with Switzerland
It seems like we're heading for a showdown on the trade front, as the Swiss President spilled the beans in a chit-chat with the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, in the nation's capital. In a candid interview with SRF, President Karin Keller-Sutter shared that the talks between the two nations have been satisfying, with the US intending to engage in a closed-door round of negotiations with a select group, including the Swiss.
"We've got some good vibes going on," the President boldly stated, before hinting that the US is cooking up a declaration of intentions, which would pave the way for more formal discussions to ensue. According to Keller-Sutter, the Yanks are hell-bent on finding a solution with Switzerland.
This development comes in the wake of escalating tariffs on Swiss products. The US government has slapped a whopping 32% tariff on Swiss imports, effective April 2025, and upped the ante by adding 25% duties on steel and aluminum imports back in March 2022, all under the flimsy excuse of national security provisions.
While the Swiss have already waved goodbye to industrial tariffs, leaving conventional bargaining strategies behind, they still seem game for striking a free trade agreement (FTA) with the US. But this move comes with certain caveats. In Switzerland, a national referendum would be required if any controversy arises, a la the 2021 Indonesia FTA deal. Over in the States, the green light would come from congressional approval.
However, the road to zero tariffs isn't entirely smooth. There are domestic concerns about aligning too closely with the EU's trade framework, and the Swiss agricultural sector has a long history of resisting such negotiations. As for the US, well, let's just say they've got their own battles to fight, chiefly with China on the tariff front. But rest assured, nothing in this world is insurmountable when there's a will to negotiate, right?
So buckle up, folks, it looks like we're in for a wild rollercoaster ride on the global trade scene!
- The broadcaster SRF interviewed Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, who mentioned the possibility of a closed-door round of negotiations between the US and Switzerland on their trade policy-and-legislation.
- In discussions with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Keller-Sutter hinted at a declaration of intentions from the US that could lead to more formal negotiations and a potential free trade agreement with Switzerland.
- Tensions have mounted over tariffs, as the US has imposed a 32% tariff on Swiss imports from April 2025 and additional 25% duties on steel and aluminum imports in March 2022 under national security provisions.
- Despite these challenges, both the Swiss government and general news outlets are open to the idea of striking a free trade agreement with the US, though it would require approval from the Swiss people through a national referendum and congressional approval in the United States.
