​​Agreement on tariffs with the US: A positive signal for the Swiss economy ​ 

​​The Federal Council announced today that Switzerland has concluded a declaration of intent with the United States on tariffs. This means that Switzerland will be subject to a country-specific additional tariff of 15 per cent. economiesuisse welcomes the conclusion of this agreement, which puts Switzerland on an equal footing with the EU/EFTA countries and removes a significant competitive disadvantage. The declaration of intent also states that Swiss companies plan to invest USD 200 billion in direct investments in the US by the end of 2028.

​The new tariff rate is significantly lower than the 39 per cent additional US tariffs that have been in force since the beginning of August. These have placed a heavy burden on the export-oriented Swiss economy in recent months and have threatened the existence of certain companies. The high US tariffs have not only significantly weakened the competitiveness of Swiss companies in the US market, but have also put pressure on jobs in Switzerland. US tariffs of 15 per cent continue to represent a burden for Swiss export companies.

​A package of measures is needed to strengthen Switzerland as a business location

​Even with the new agreement, not all of Switzerland's economic problems have been solved by any means. Uncertainty remains, protectionism is on the rise worldwide, and at home, increasingly tight regulations are restricting entrepreneurial freedom and making production more expensive. The current situation must be a wake-up call for Swiss politics. In addition to US tariffs, sluggish development in other important sales markets and geopolitical tensions are also weighing on the local economy. Switzerland must therefore be strengthened again in order to remain competitive internationally. The Swiss economy must not be restricted and burdened by laws and regulations. It is also important to reduce the cost burden on companies and employees quickly and significantly.

​At the same time, as an open economy, Switzerland is dependent on the best possible access to markets around the world. In order to strengthen the export nation, trade barriers must be dismantled. Free trade agreements play a central role in this. The rapid entry into force of the agreements with Mercosur, Thailand and Malaysia, as well as the conclusion of negotiations with Vietnam and China, are crucial.  

​Finally, the bilateral relation with the EU should be further developed and stabilized thanks to Bilateral Agreements III. This is the only way to continue guaranteeing optimal market access to our most important trading partner.​