The 39% surcharge inflicted on Swiss products exported to the United States has become a reality since Thursday morning at 6 a.m. The decision is a severe blow to the Swiss economy in general and Jurassic in particular. The Jura industry is largely turned towards export, especially for the watchmaking and machinery sectors. The Jura Minister of Economy, Stéphane Theurillat, does not hide his “great concern” on the maintenance of the American customs surcharge and evokes “important impacts for the Jurassic economy in terms of markets that will decrease and which will have a strong impact on employment”. However, he salutes the will of the Federal Council to continue negotiations with the United States and to conduct discussions on possible alleviations in favor of Swiss businesses. Stéphane Theurillat thus notes the displayed will of the federal government to extend partial unemployment, the RHT, from 18 to 24 months while being aware that such a provision will not be enough to absorb the shock of the decision of the American president, Donald Trump. The Jura Minister also intends to bring the subject to possible cantonal measures to help companies during the government session scheduled for next Tuesday. /FCO