Switzerland faces 39% US tariffs on exports starting 7 August 2025.
Switzerland is likely to face 39% US tariffs on its exports after the country’s President Karin Keller-Sutter failed to secure a trade deal with the US, which is set to take effect on Thursday, 7 August 2025.
Despite Keller-Sutter having a “very good meeting” with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US officials rejected the request to reduce the tariffs to 10%. The US is reportedly interested in boosting energy and defence exports to Switzerland, while the Swiss seek lower duties on key goods such as watches, machinery, and chocolate.
The tariff threat, raised from 31% in April to 39% last week, is part of President Trump’s broader trade overhaul to reduce the trade deficit with Switzerland.
“We had a very good meeting today. We had a very friendly and open exchange,” Keller-Sutter told reporters in Washington.
The Swiss delegation is expected to return home without an agreement, though further negotiations remain possible.
The government, however, is still focused on improving its offer and has ruled out countermeasures for now despite calls from Swiss politicians.
Switzerland has ordered USD 7.43 billion worth of US F-35 fighter jets, but some politicians are urging the deal’s cancellation in response to the trade dispute.
