Switzerland Warns on US Trade Policies: Tariffs Could Become Permanent

Uncertainty Persists in Trade Relations Helene Budliger Artieda, Director of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), has warned that customs tariffs implemented by the United States could become permanent features of trade, regardless of judicial decisions.
In statements made to the SonntagsBlick newspaper, Artieda noted that the Washington administration appears inclined to maintain tariffs despite rulings from the US Supreme Court.
"We may have to learn to live with US tariffs," Artieda stated, emphasizing that Swiss exporters must be prepared for a long-term period of protectionism.
National Security and Legal Justifications According to Artieda, the US administration could utilize various legal frameworks, such as national security provisions or unfair trade practices, to justify the continuation of tariffs.
This situation could continue to exert pressure on the Swiss economy, independent of the outcomes of technical-level negotiations.
The government in Bern is reportedly updating its risk scenarios accordingly to increase economic resilience against these potential challenges.
The November Agreement and Current Status Switzerland and the United States narrowly avoided a major trade crisis through a framework agreement reached last November.
Under this deal, tax rates on Swiss exports to the US were reduced from 39% to 15%, bringing them in line with those applied to European Union countries.
However, Swiss authorities maintain a cautious stance as Washington's protectionist tendencies show signs of persisting.