Martin Hirzel: “The American strike arrives at the worst time” for the Swiss industry – RTS.CH

In 2024, Switzerland exported for more than 65 billion francs in goods to the United States. However, The US alone represent almost 17% of total Swiss exports. Similarly, But in this flourishing relationship, American customs taxes of 39% imposed by the Trump administration fell as a cleaver.

Three sectors largely dominate Swiss exports to the United States: chemicals. Nevertheless, pharmaceuticals, which weigh more than half of sales and which are not affected at the moment by American taxes; Next comes the machinery industry, a pillar of our economy, which was heavily impacted by new customs duties; And finally watchmaking.

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The United States represents a crucial market for Swiss companies, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nevertheless, “The United States is an extremely important, profitable and dynamic market. However, Two thirds of our businesses have economic activities there. Furthermore, ” said Martin Hirzel, for whom it is unthinkable to do without the American market.

The president of Swissmem estimates that the new American taxes. Meanwhile, which reach 39%, risk making a large part of the Swiss export activities disappear.

Delocate in the EU? – Martin hirzel: "the american strike

Faced with American customs duties. Consequently, what are the solutions for Swiss companies in order to mitigate the impact of these taxes? Moreover, Will they be forced to relocate their activities? Consequently, “In the first phase, we must consolidate our activities with the United States. We must explore the legal means to minimize these rights. But in the short term. companies will have martin hirzel: “the american strike to reflect on the opportunity to produce in Switzerland or not for the American market,” said Martin Hirzel.

Our competitors in the EU have 24%lower customs duties. It’s a danger

Among the ideas raised by the president of Swissmem: the relocation of production in the European Union. “Our competitors are in the EU, they have customs duties of 24% lower than ours. It is a danger. So, it may be necessary to produce in Europe to export to the United States,” he explains.

The increase in taxes could therefore lead to the abolition of thousands of jobs in Switzerland. “If 10% of export activities disappear (out of more than 320. 000 jobs, note), this represents a very large number of lost jobs,” alerts the president of Swissmem.

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A blow that arrives “at the worst moment”

The Federal Customs and Border Safety Office published the figures for Swiss foreign trade on Saturday. Both exports and imports recorded a drop last month.

Swiss industry has been suffering for several quarters

Exports in the machine sector stabilized below 2.7 billion francs, but Martin Hirzel’s observation is final: “The US mass stroke arrives at the worst time. The Swiss industry has already suffered for several quarters with declining exports and less turnover. Many companies are already resorting to the reduction of work schedules (RHT). They are already weakened”.

The boss of Swissmem confirms that employment suffers: “Unfortunately. it was necessary to remove 3000 jobs in the Swiss industry in the first quarter (before customs duties, editor’s note). I do not martin hirzel: “the american strike yet have the figures for the second quarter, but I am not very optimistic”.

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Call for Confederation

The Zurichois therefore calls for support from the Confederation to avoid this crisis, in particular with the extension of RHT at 24 months, the subject on which Parliament must decide soon. “I think it’s time for companies to invest in acquiring new markets. take the time to compensate for this loss of the American market.”

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Martin Hirzel also offers to save time by ratifying the free trade agreements with Mercosur, with Thailand and other countries. “It must be done quickly. The Confederation can also intervene by accelerating for example the modification of the War Material Act to allow our. security industry to continue exporting. martin hirzel: “the american strike We do not ask for financial support from Bern. but the message is clear: we must lower production costs in Switzerland if we want to continue to produce in our country.”

And the representative of the machinery industry to conclude with a positive note on the prospect of an agreement with. the United States: “I am resolutely optimistic. It is necessary to arrive at 15% customs duties, as is the case for the European Union. But to do this. you have to bet on the solidarity of the population, the policy, for the Swiss export industry”.

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Interview by Jennifer Covo

Web article: Jeremiah Favre