Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

White House Hails 'Historic' Tariff Deal With Switzerland - SWI Swissinfo.Ch


(MENAFN- Swissinfo) The White House has praised the framework for a 'historic trade deal' negotiated with Switzerland. The agreement announced on Friday promises a lower US import tariff rate of 15% for Switzerland - down from 39% - in return for $200 billion in investments by Swiss companies in the US. This content was published on November 17, 2025 - 09:23 5 minutes Keystone-SDA
  • Français fr La Maison-Blanche salue un“accord historique” avec Berne Original Read more: La Maison-Blanche salue un“accord historique” avec

+Get the most important news from Switzerland in your inbox

The agreement will will provide US exporters unprecedented access to Swiss and Liechtenstein markets and drive billions of dollars in investment on US soil, creating“thousands of jobs across America”, the White House said in a statement.

It details a long list of benefits for the US.

Jobs will be created across all 50 states in a number of sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical devices, aerospace, construction, advanced manufacturing, gold manufacturing, and energy infrastructure, the White House said.

More More Foreign Affairs Switzerland secures US tariff rate cut to 15%

This content was published on Nov 14, 2025 The United States will cut its tariffs on goods from Switzerland to 15% from 39% under a new framework trade agreement.

Read more: Switzerland secures US tariff rate cut t

“This trade deal will lock in the largest expansion ever of US exporter access to Swiss markets, creating new opportunities for US manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and other producers,” it adds.

Under Trump's leadership, billions of dollars of investment by major Swiss companies such as Roche, Novartis, ABB, and Stadler have already been announced in connection with the framework, with more on the way, it said. At least $67 billion worth of investment will occur in 2026.

It went on:“Swiss and Liechtenstein enterprises have committed to investing in American workers through the use of Registered Apprenticeships and other training programmes in key high-growth sectors.”

Whisky, medical, digital

Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to remove a range of tariffs across agriculture and industrial sectors, including various fresh and dried nuts, fish and seafood, certain fruits, chemicals, and spirits such as whisky and rum. In addition, Switzerland will establish tariff rate quotas for American poultry, beef, and bison.

More More Global trade Swiss farmers downplay impact of US tariff deal

This content was published on Nov 16, 2025 The recent US tariff rate cut deal has raised questions about the consequences for the Swiss farming sector.

Read more: Swiss farmers downplay impact of US tariff

At the same time, it is committed to reducing a number of non-tariff barriers that have long prevented the entry of American products, notably in the medical sector, agriculture and intellectual property.

Particular attention will be paid to the protection of intellectual property, the fight against forced labour and the environment, the White House adds.“The United States, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein have committed to a robust set of digital trade principles, including refraining from harmful digital services taxes.”

Switzerland and Liechtenstein will work to address forced labour in their supply chains and increasing cooperation on labor-related trade issues, the press release states.

“Additionally, the Framework bolsters our shared national and economic security by expanding cooperation on export controls, sanctions, and investment screening,” it says.

More More Trade policy US tariff rate cut: Swiss press are upbeat but warn of high cost

This content was published on Nov 15, 2025 The Swiss press breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday following the announcement of a deal between Bern and Washington to slash tariffs on imported Swiss products.

Read more: US tariff rate cut: Swiss press are upbeat but warn of high Early 2026

The agreement must be finalised quickly, according to the US, with ratification scheduled for early 2026. This will make it possible to achieve a reduction in the US trade deficit with Switzerland, which stood at $38.5 billion in 2024, with the goal of eliminating it by 2028.

Donald Trump sees the agreement as“a concrete way to strengthen economic relations with Switzerland, ensuring both the country's national security and its economic prosperity”.

On Friday, Swiss Economics Minister Guy Parmelin welcomed“the significant improvements” resulting from the negotiated framework agreement.

“Switzerland has not made any concessions that would limit its ability to act or its neutrality,” Parmelin declared, adding that the country remains“autonomous”.

The concessions announced by Parmelin include improved recognition of US standards in Switzerland, particularly in the automotive sector, and the lowering of Switzerland's own customs duties on a range of US products. The discussions were conducted on a win-win basis, according to Bern.

More More Trade policy Lessons from the US-Swiss tariff dispute: when the ends justify the means

This content was published on Nov 15, 2025 Tariff negotiations with the United States have been a steep learning curve for Switzerland and its trade diplomacy - and an unprecedented rollercoaster ride.

Read more: Lessons from the US-Swiss tariff dispute: when the ends justify the

Translated from German by DeepL/sb

MENAFN17112025000210011054ID1110352931



Swissinfo

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.

Search