Trump's Surprise Move: 39% Tariffs on Swiss Imports

US-Präsident Donald Trump hat die Schweiz mit Strafzöllen in Höhe von 39% auf alle Schweizer Importe belegt, was eine böse Überraschung für die politische und wirtschaftliche Elite der Schweiz ist. Die wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen könnten erheblich sein, da die Schweiz 2024 Waren im Wert von über 63 Milliarden Dollar in die USA exportiert hat und das 13.-größte Handelsdefizit aus Sicht der US-Regierung verzeichnet hat. Die Schweiz betont, sie sei der siebtgrößte ausländische Investor in den USA.

US President Donald Trump has imposed a 39% tariff on all Swiss imports, marking a significant escalation in trade tensions between the two countries. The move, announced amidst the festive celebrations of the Swiss National Day, has taken the Swiss political and economic elite by surprise. The economic implications are substantial, given that Switzerland exported goods worth over $63 billion to the US in 2024 and maintained the 13th-largest trade deficit as perceived by the US administration.

The Swiss government has long emphasized its status as the seventh-largest foreign investor in the US, employing approximately 400,000 people in the country. Despite these ties, the Swiss delegation was unable to secure a favorable trade agreement with the US, leading to the imposition of the punitive tariffs.

The 39% tariff, higher than the initial 31% announced in April, is a result of the US's assertion that Switzerland's trade practices, particularly its export surplus, are unfair. The Swiss National Bank's (SNB) policies to weaken the Swiss Franc, which have been a point of contention, may have contributed to the decision. However, recent appreciation of the Swiss Franc to the US Dollar has seemingly mitigated this concern.

The tariffs, set to take effect on August 7, 2025, are expected to have a profound impact on Swiss businesses. The Swiss economy, which relies heavily on exports, faces significant challenges. The Swiss government has expressed its disappointment and continues to pursue a diplomatic resolution. The Swiss pharmaceutical sector, a major exporter to the US, is particularly vulnerable, with companies like Roche and Novartis already planning expansions in the US to mitigate potential losses.

The Swiss economy, which has long been a key player in global trade, may now face a period of uncertainty and potential slowdown. The trade conflict has led to increased economic volatility, with projections indicating a subpar growth rate for the Swiss economy in the coming years. The tariffs are likely to increase the cost of Swiss goods in the US market, potentially impacting consumer demand and overall economic activity.

In response, some Swiss companies have begun to diversify their export markets, although the process of establishing new trade relationships is time-consuming. The Swiss government, recognizing the gravity of the situation, is likely to focus on diplomatic efforts to reduce the impact of the tariffs and secure more favorable trade terms.

The imposition of these tariffs underscores the complexity and sensitivity of international trade relations. While the US seeks to address its trade deficit, the Swiss economy faces a significant challenge in maintaining its competitive edge in the global market. The long-term effects of these tariffs remain uncertain, but the Swiss government and businesses are likely to prioritize resilience and diversification as they navigate this new trade landscape.

References:
[1] https://www.blick.ch/wirtschaft/abgestraft-39-prozent-fuer-die-schweiz-39-fragen-zum-zollschock-id21101960.html