US and Swiss officials have reached a breakthrough deal, striking a new trade pact that slashes tariffs from 39% to 15%, a significant reduction that will ease economic tensions between the two nations.
The agreement was announced after intense lobbying by Swiss firms and bilateral talks in Washington, marking a major concession by the Trump administration. According to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, both sides have "essentially reached a deal", bringing tariffs on Switzerland in line with those imposed on neighboring European Union countries.
In exchange for reduced US tariffs, Switzerland will lower its own duties on a range of US products, including industrial goods, fish and seafood, as well as non-sensitive agricultural items. Additionally, Swiss officials committed to granting duty-free access to key US exports such as beef, bison meat, and poultry, with quotas totaling 500 tonnes of each.
The deal is seen as a significant win for Swiss exporters, who have been struggling under the previous high tariffs. However, details on the implementation timeline remain unclear, pending coordination with the US.
This latest trade pact marks another "framework" agreement struck by Trump's administration, which typically focus on narrow issues rather than comprehensive free trade agreements that can take years to negotiate.
According to Swiss officials, major companies are already planning significant investments in the US worth over $200 billion by 2028. Meanwhile, luxury brands like Rolex have used their influence to secure deals, including a golden table clock for Trump's Oval Office desk.
The deal has sparked optimism among industry leaders and diplomats, who see it as a key step towards improving economic ties between the two nations.
The agreement was announced after intense lobbying by Swiss firms and bilateral talks in Washington, marking a major concession by the Trump administration. According to US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, both sides have "essentially reached a deal", bringing tariffs on Switzerland in line with those imposed on neighboring European Union countries.
In exchange for reduced US tariffs, Switzerland will lower its own duties on a range of US products, including industrial goods, fish and seafood, as well as non-sensitive agricultural items. Additionally, Swiss officials committed to granting duty-free access to key US exports such as beef, bison meat, and poultry, with quotas totaling 500 tonnes of each.
The deal is seen as a significant win for Swiss exporters, who have been struggling under the previous high tariffs. However, details on the implementation timeline remain unclear, pending coordination with the US.
This latest trade pact marks another "framework" agreement struck by Trump's administration, which typically focus on narrow issues rather than comprehensive free trade agreements that can take years to negotiate.
According to Swiss officials, major companies are already planning significant investments in the US worth over $200 billion by 2028. Meanwhile, luxury brands like Rolex have used their influence to secure deals, including a golden table clock for Trump's Oval Office desk.
The deal has sparked optimism among industry leaders and diplomats, who see it as a key step towards improving economic ties between the two nations.