Tariff negotiations with the United States have been a steep learning curve for Switzerland and its trade diplomacy — and an unprecedented rollercoaster ride, concludes Matthias Pfander, a business correspondent for Swiss public TV, SRF. First came the shock in April: Switzerland appeared high up on Donald Trump’s tariff list during the specially staged “Liberation Day” in the White House Rose Garden. Then came relief when the threatened 31% tariffs were temporarily suspended, opening a window for negotiations. Soon, early successes trickled in: Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter managed to hold initial top-level talks, and Switzerland seemed well-positioned for a deal. This led to near-euphoria and pride, with even Keller-Sutter’s excellent English skills being praised as a major asset. More tactical ingenuity But celebrations were premature: Switzerland was hit with 39% tariffs — as the only Western country with such a high rate — and felt Trump’s unpredictability in full force.
Full story here
Are you the author?
SWI swissinfo.ch – the international service of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC).
Since 1999, swissinfo.ch has fulfilled the federal government’s mandate to distribute information about Switzerland internationally, supplementing the online offerings of the radio and television stations of the SBC. Today, the international service is directed above all at an international audience interested in Switzerland, as well as at Swiss citizens living abroad.
Previous post
See more for 3.) Swissinfo Business and Economy
Next post
Tags:
Featured,
newsletter
