The customs duties that the United States will impose on EU imports will indirectly strike Swiss companies, warning Swiss economic associations on Monday. But the rate of 15% expected is only a lesser evil, they add while Berne is still waiting for a decision.
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For economiesuisse, the agreement announced Sunday evening “limits the damage”. The main trading partner of the Swiss economy, the European Union now has at least a certain legal certainty, Jan Testeslander said on Monday, a member of the Economy Scresh Directorate, on SRF German -style radio.
On the merits, this is good news for Switzerland, but a rate of 15% is a very high customs right that hinders the dynamics of the trade, he added. Switzerland and its companies are indirectly affected by this brake effect, because they are part of the value creation chain: “If we add 15%, it naturally slows down the American demand,” said Mr. Attesslander.
More competitiveness
The umbrella of the Swissmem machine industry and the professional association Interpharma also highlight the indirect negative effects on the Swiss economy. Swissmem thus expects a decline in demand for Swiss industrial products.
Switzerland will be affected because it delivers many basic products and components for European products which will then be struck by American customs duties during their export to the United States, she explains on X. The association requests more competitiveness to amortize other shocks.
Regarding pharmaceutical products, it is unknown at the moment when the American customs duties will come into force. It depends on the closing of the American survey on this type of product.
Scenario of the worst avoided
The rate of 15% announced seems to avoid the worst scenario, said a spokesperson for Interpharma in Keystone-ATS. But it is clear that even such customs duty has significant negative consequences for Switzerland. It sustainably weakens the research and production site.
To remain competitive, Switzerland and Europe must all the more resolutely strengthen their conditions of establishment, the spokesman continued.
The Swiss pharmaceutical industry invests considerably in the United States and contributes to research, production and employment. According to Interpharma, protectionist measures undermine this close partnership.
Bern while waiting
In Bern, the competent federal departments have read the agreement between Brussels and Washington, a spokesperson for the Federal Economy Department (DEFR) said. The Confederation is threatened to be imposed on a surcharge of 31% from August 1, against 10% currently.
Berne and Washington agreed on a declaration of intention and the Federal Council has already approved it, said the spokesperson. It still lacks the green light from the United States. The Federal Council will actively communicate as soon as it is the case or as soon as there is another development relevant to the public, according to him.
