Archive · 7 Aug 2025
Swiss Tariffs Begin After President Fails to Negotiate Deal
The U.S. put a big tax (a tariff) on goods from Switzerland, like watches and coffee.
This tax is 39%, the highest for developed countries.
The Swiss President tried to stop it, but wasn't able to convince the U.S. leader to change his mind.
The tax is due to take effect on goods shipped after Thursday.
The U.S. wants Switzerland to change the trade balance because Switzerland sells more goods to the U.S. than they buy.
Some Swiss exports like medicines are currently exempt from the tax.
A 39% tariff on Swiss exports to the U.S. has taken effect.
The tariff applies to goods shipped after Thursday.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter failed to negotiate a deal to lower the tariff.
Trump was reportedly displeased with Switzerland's trade surplus with the U.S.
Pharmaceuticals and gold are currently exempt from the tariff.
- Who
- U.S. and Switzerland; Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Secretary of State Marco Rubio (U.S. officials)
- What
- Implementation of a 39% tariff on Swiss exports to the United States.
- When
- Tariff took effect Thursday.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To address the trade imbalance, with the U.S. citing Switzerland's trade surplus as a key concern.
Switzerland
United States
Impact and Justification
Switzerland
The 39% tariff will negatively impact Swiss exports and potentially endanger up to 1% of its economic output.
United States
The U.S. is seeking to address trade imbalances and may be looking for increased exports from Switzerland.
- Tariff Rate
- 39%
- Target
- Swiss exports
- Effective Date
- Thursday
- Key Officials
- Karin Keller-Sutter, Marco Rubio
- Exemptions
- Pharmaceuticals and gold
- Trade Surplus
- $38.5 billion (Switzerland's surplus with the U.S.)
Sources
Swiss President to meet U.S. Secretary of State Rubio for talks on Wednesday
Swiss president to meet US Secretary of State Rubio for talks on Wednesday
Switzerland facing 39% tariff, Prez Keller-Sutter in US for talks with Rubio for last-minute deal
Swiss president to meet US Secretary of State Rubio for last-minute trade talks
Swiss Firms Rethink Global Strategy After Tariff Surge
Swiss President Discussed Tariffs With US Secretary of State
Swiss president says tariff talks with US Secretary of State went well
Switzerland facing 39% US tariff as president leaves Washington empty-handed