(MENAFN) Switzerland’s president and top economic official are making an urgent trip to Washington on Tuesday, following the United States' surprise decision to impose steep new tariffs—reaching up to 39%—on Swiss goods, a move that stunned the Swiss government.

"The President of the Swiss Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, and the Vice President of the Federal Council, Guy Parmelin, are to fly to the United States on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, to facilitate meetings with the US authorities at short notice and hold talks with a view to improving the tariff situation for Switzerland," the Swiss government confirmed in an official statement.

Officials said the mission aims to negotiate better terms and respond to Washington’s concerns in hopes of securing a reduction in the newly imposed trade penalties. "The aim is to present a more attractive offer to the United States in a bid to lower the level of reciprocal tariffs for Swiss exports, taking US concerns into account," the statement added.

The U.S. tariffs, unveiled last Thursday, would impact close to 60% of Swiss exports headed to American markets, according to a Swiss government update released Monday.

This escalation leaves Switzerland facing a “distinct disadvantage” in global trade, particularly when compared with nations like the EU, which faces 15% tariffs, the UK at 10%, and Japan at 15%.

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