Customs duties: failure of negotiations between Switzerland and the USA

The cleaver fell Thursday evening: Swiss products will be taxed 39% by the United States from August 7. The two countries did not find an agreement before the expiration of the customs duties, announced the president of the Confederation, Karin Keller-Sutter, after having maintained himself with American President Donald Trump. In the political and economic environment, the reactions to this announcement were quick.

“The decision of President Trump is a disaster and a direct attack on our prosperity,” criticizes the PLR. “The United States not only sabothed the very good and reliable relations that they have had for decades with our country, but also free trade as a whole,” insists the right party.

The latter fears “a massive increase in prices for exported Swiss products, with serious consequences for our businesses, our jobs and our wages”. In the United States, our country mainly exports drugs, but also watches, machines, coffee capsules, cheese and chocolate. The PLR calls on the Federal Council to find “rapid measures to support the competitiveness of Swiss businesses and SMEs and mitigate economic damage”.

Samuel Bendahan, co -president of the socialist group with federal chambers, sees in this announcement “the direct consequence of a myopic and isolated external economic policy”. Mattea Meyer, co-president of the Swiss PS, criticizes “the complacency strategy chosen by the bourgeois majority, who showed Trump that he could do what he wanted.” “We should never have given in,” she said.

For the PS, Switzerland must cooperate more closely with Europe and other democracies. “In a world where the most powerful actors act unpredictable, it is essential to make shape with reliable partners,” says Samuel Bendahan.

The President of the Greens, Lisa Mazzone, also criticizes “the collapse and unilateral action” of Switzerland and pleads for closer cooperation with Europe: “The strategy of complacency of the Federal Council failed throughout the line. It is time to tax large American technological companies appropriately. Switzerland must develop an independent and green industrial policy in collaboration with Europe. ”

“It is neither justified nor understandable that Switzerland is applied to one of the highest rates in the world,” reacted in turn economiesu. In comparison, the announced rate is 15% for the European Union and 10% for the United Kingdom. ” The Federation of Swiss Businesses requests that our country gets “as soon as possible, at least a reduction in American customs duties”.

“For Swiss companies, an advantageous solution to this customs dispute and reliable relationships with their main export market are determining elements,” she adds. While recalling that “Switzerland is the sixth foreign investor in the United States, where Swiss companies are responsible for around 400,000 jobs”.