Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter had a 25-minute phone conversation with US President Trump regarding the newly imposed US tariffs on Swiss imports. Keller-Sutter proposed solutions to address US concerns, and they agreed to maintain contact.
Switzerland, along with numerous other countries, is actively seeking ways to lessen the negative consequences of the tariffs. The Swiss government is exploring various options, including potential concessions and negotiations.
The Swiss government appointed Gabriel Lüchinger as a special envoy to the US to focus on this issue. A project organization headed by Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis aims for a comprehensive approach beyond trade matters.
The US government's demands remain ambiguous. While claiming to desire fairness, they seem to define it as countries importing at least as much from the US as they export. They also cite numerous other non-tariff barriers as problematic, like currency manipulation and intellectual property theft.
The article discusses potential Swiss concessions, such as easing agricultural import restrictions and offering investment promises. However, concessions like repealing the ‘Lex Netflix’ are considered politically sensitive.
The article notes that while the EU is considering retaliatory tariffs, Switzerland is less likely to do so due to its smaller economy and potential for greater self-harm.
The possibility of Switzerland withdrawing from the F-35 fighter jet deal with the US is also mentioned as a potential, but risky, countermeasure.