Donald Trump is keeping the world in suspense with his tariff policy.Image: keystone
November 16, 2025, 6:36 p.mNovember 16, 2025, 6:36 p.m
In the future, Swiss products exported to the USA will face tariffs of 15 percent instead of the originally announced 39 percent. The corresponding agreement also has a long list of benefits for the USA, as can be seen on the White House website.
The agreement provides for the removal of numerous trade barriers, particularly tariffs, in order to increase the competitiveness of US products such as agricultural products, machinery, medical devices, aerospace and energy, the White House website said. It is the largest expansion of US exporters’ access to the Swiss market, opening up new opportunities for various sectors.
Several large Swiss companies such as Roche, Novartis, ABB and Stadler have already announced extensive investments in the USA that will amount to over 200 billion dollars, including 67 billion in 2026, it said. These investments are intended to stimulate the U.S. economy and create good-paying jobs across the country.
Switzerland and Liechtenstein have also committed to training programs. The US government wrote that investments should be made in American workers, particularly through apprenticeships in companies.
Whiskey, medicine and digital technology
The agreement also promotes the abolition of numerous tariffs in agriculture and industry, especially for nuts, fish, fruit and certain spirits such as whiskey or rum. Switzerland will also set tariff quotas for US chicken, beef and bison meat. At the same time, Switzerland is committed to removing several trade barriers that have long prevented access to US products, primarily in the areas of medicine and agriculture.
Particular attention will be paid to protecting intellectual property, combating forced labor and protecting the environment, the White House continued. The countries agreed to respect sound principles in the area of digital trade, in particular by avoiding the introduction of digital taxes. Cooperation will also be strengthened to secure supply chains, mainly against unfair trading practices by third countries, and to closely control exports, sanctions and investments.
Quick ratification
According to the US presidency, the agreement should be concluded quickly, with ratification scheduled for early 2026. This is intended to reduce the US trade deficit with Switzerland, which according to US figures amounted to $38.5 billion in 2024, and to eliminate it completely by 2028.
For US President Donald Trump, the agreement is a concrete way to strengthen economic relations with Switzerland while at the same time ensuring the national security and economic prosperity of his country.
On Friday, Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin, who is responsible for economic affairs, was pleased about the improvements in the framework conditions, as Switzerland could avoid taxation at the high rate of 39 percent.
“Switzerland has not made any concessions that would limit its ability to act or its neutrality,” assured Parmelin. It remains autonomous, but has committed to Swiss companies – especially pharmaceutical companies – investing $200 billion in the United States by the end of 2028.
The concessions announced by Parmelin include, for example, greater recognition of US standards in Switzerland, especially in the automotive sector, and the reduction of its own tariffs on a number of US products. (sda)