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US tariffs: Federal Council to continue negotiations with the United States

Swiss Government

Press release
Published on 7 August 2025

Bern, 07.08.2025 -- On 7 August, the Federal Council acknowledged that additional tariffs of 39% are now being applied to Swiss products entering the United States. It remains firmly committed to pursuing discussions with the US with the aim of reducing these tariffs as swiftly as possible. The Federal Council is maintaining close contact with US authorities and the affected industry sectors. It will also shortly engage in detailed discussions on potential relief measures for Swiss businesses and continue to assess the need for further economic policy action.

The delegation led by the President of the Swiss Confederation and Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin to the United States on 5 and 6 August resulted in a decision to continue talks with the US.

The Federal Council remains determined to find a solution that will lead to the prompt removal of the additional 39% tariffs imposed on Swiss exports from 7 August.

As of today, nearly 60% of Swiss exports to the United States are subject to these additional tariffs. Compared with other US trading partners with similar economic structures, the tariffs imposed on Switzerland are particularly steep (EU: 15%, United Kingdom: 10%, Japan: 15%).

The Federal Council welcomes the excellent collaboration among all economic stakeholders on this issue.

Ongoing dialogue with the United States

The Federal Council continues to believe that trade tensions are not in Switzerland's interest. At present, tariff countermeasures in response to the US tariff increases are not being considered, as they would impose additional costs on the Swiss economy - particularly through higher prices for imports from the United States.

The Federal Council will maintain its focus on diversifying trade relations with all international partners.

Economic risks and need for action for the Swiss economy

In its forecast of 16 June, the Expert Group for Business Cycles projected significantly below-average growth for the Swiss economy in both 2025 and 2026. The newly imposed US tariffs place a substantial strain on Switzerland's export-oriented economy. Around 18% of Swiss goods exports are destined for the United States, and approximately 60% of these are affected by the additional US tariffs. If these tariffs remain in place for an extended period, the economic outlook is likely to worsen further compared to the June projections. Certain sectors and companies will be disproportionately impacted.

Short-time working compensation is a well-established instrument aimed at preserving jobs during temporary and unavoidable downturns. Companies directly or indirectly affected by the new US tariff measures may also access this support. The Federal Council has tasked the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) with examining measures that can be implemented rapidly in this regard, including administrative simplifications for companies in relation to application processing and payments. Furthermore, the relevant committees of both chambers of Parliament have approved a parliamentary initiative to extend the maximum entitlement period for short-time work compensation from the 18 to 24 months within a 24-month framework period. This extension is intended to give businesses more time to adjust to the changing market conditions. The Federal Council will issue a statement on this matter shortly, taking into account the latest developments. The competent committee is planning urgent federal legislation, with deliberations scheduled for the autumn session.

In the area of export promotion, Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE) will continue its immediate support measures, including the helpdesk and enhanced information on current developments via webinars. Additional measures are currently under consideration.

The Federal Council also intends to make full use of its scope for action under forthcoming legislation and existing regulations to ease the burden on businesses. The relevant departments are actively working on this, and the concerns of affected stakeholders are being carefully reviewed. The Federal Council will discuss this issue in greater detail in the near future.