Tariff
Swiss economy to tariff: “horror scenario”
The Swiss Federal President returns empty -handed from Washington: 39 percent tariffs apply since today. The economy is horrified.
For a few hours now, high US tariffs have been in existence for Switzerland as hardly for another country: 39 percent. The Swiss Industry Association of Tech Industry, Swissmem, speaks of a “horror scenario”.
“If this horrendous customs burden remains, the export business of the Swiss tech industry in the USA is actually dead-especially in view of much lower tariffs for the competition from the EU and Japan,” the association wrote on X. The Swiss cabinet wanted to meet in the afternoon for a crisis meeting.
The Economiesuisse Economic Association requires further negotiations. “A quick agreement as possible to reduce the tariffs is urgent,” he writes. In addition, measures are necessary to strengthen the business location. “
No chance in Washington
Federal President and Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter and Minister of Economics Guy Parmelin had traveled to Washington personally, but returned empty-handed on Thursday morning. They were only able to speak to Foreign Minister Marco Rubio on Tuesday, which was hastily arranged on Tuesday. He then said that it was about defense cooperation and “a fair and balanced trade relationship that benefits the American people”.
The United States is the most important trading partner in Switzerland. Around 18 percent of exports went over the Atlantic last year. The industry fears tens of thousands of jobs in 39 percent tariffs. US President Donald Trump argues with the high deficit in goods trading of around CHF 39 billion. Seen together with the service trade, it is about half as high.
dpa
Source: Stern
