Archive · 13 Aug 2025
Swiss Say Firms Can't Dodge US Tariffs Via Liechtenstein
The US put a big tax on goods from Switzerland.
Some companies thought they could avoid this tax by sending their products through Liechtenstein, a small country nearby.
But the Swiss government said this won't work.
They explained that goods still have to pay the higher tax if they're originally from Switzerland, even if they pass through Liechtenstein.
The US has a similar rule to stop companies from other countries, like China, from avoiding tariffs.
Swiss government clarifies that companies can't bypass US tariffs through Liechtenstein.
Liechtenstein has a customs union with Switzerland, enabling free trade of goods.
US tariffs on Liechtenstein are 15%, compared to 39% on Swiss goods, which could incentivize re-routing.
Swiss authorities state that simply re-exporting Swiss products via Liechtenstein doesn't change their origin.
No companies have been identified using the route to avoid tariffs.
- Who
- Swiss and Liechtenstein governments; businesses exporting goods.
- What
- Swiss government prevents companies from evading US tariffs via Liechtenstein.
- When
- Ongoing, with current enforcement.
- Where
- Trade between the US, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein.
- Why
- To ensure tariffs on Swiss goods are applied correctly.
Swiss Businesses
US Government
Tariff Evasion
Swiss Businesses
Attempting to bypass tariffs to maintain exports.
US Government
Government enforcing tariff regulations.
- US Tariff on Swiss Goods
- 39%
- US Tariff on Liechtenstein Goods
- 15%
- Customs Union
- Switzerland and Liechtenstein
- Transshipment Tariff
- 40%
