The customs sets are “as good as firm,” says the USA. Switzerland is now sending a delegation to Washington shortly before the deadline. Trump had increased the duty rate for the Alpine country to 39 percent at short notice.
As part of its efforts, Switzerland sends two high-ranking government members to Washington at the last minute. Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter and the Vice President of the Federal Councilor Guy Parmelin are flying to Washington today, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Accordingly, “short-term meetings with the US authorities and discussions with regard to an improvement in Switzerland’s customs situation” are planned.
Keller-Sutter, who is also finance minister, and Minister of Economics Parmelin would be accompanied by a small delegation. The aim of the mission is to make a “more attractive offer” to the United States in order to reduce the amount of additional tariffs for Swiss exports and to take into account the concerns of the United States, the Ministry of Finance said. Details of the proposals were not given.
Intermediate duty spontaneously increased
US President Trump had postponed the customs sets for dozens of trading partners, including the EU, which was originally scheduled for last Friday. Last Friday, he surprisingly announced a 39 percent dial on Swiss goods. Initially, however, the United States had promised 31 percent.
With the increase, Trump triggered alarm mood in the export -oriented economy of the country. Switzerland primarily exports medication to the USA, but also watches, machines, coffee capsules, cheese and chocolate.
According to the 31 percent in the prospect of 31 percent, the Swiss government quickly negotiated a declaration of intent for a trade agreement with a lower customs rate. On Monday, referring to lower tariffs for EU member states, Great Britain and Japan, she declared that tariffs “significantly disadvantage Switzerland compared to other trading partners with a similar economic profile”. However, one wants to “capture the dynamic economic relationships with the USA”.
The cabinet then decided in a special meeting to “make an even more attractive offer in new negotiations”.
