Thu, 09 Oct 2025

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 Has the clock stopped on Swiss US trade?

Swiss exporters are looking at new markets after being hit by heavy US tariffs.

* President Trump's tariffs have caused shock worldwide, with some countries managing to secure better deals than others.
* Switzerland has been hit with punitive tariffs of 39%, one of the highest in Europe and fourth-highest globally.
* The Swiss government has tried to renegotiate with Washington but so far failed to persuade Mr. Trump to relent.
* Around 17% of all Swiss exports go to the US, a market that Switzerland cannot afford to lose overnight.
* Economic growth is shrinking, and job losses in key industries appear inevitable due to the tariffs.
* Switzerland's most lucrative exports to the US are pharmaceuticals and medical technology equipment.
* Companies like MPS, which produces high-precision medical instruments, may have to stop exporting to the US altogether if tariffs remain in place.
* Swiss companies are diversifying their markets and actively chasing other trade agreements, such as with India and South America.
* The long-term damage from the tariffs may be more significant than economic losses, potentially damaging traditional business relations between Switzerland and the US.
* Business leaders in Switzerland are expressing disappointment and hurt over the US administration's actions.
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