Headlines

Switzerland moves to strengthen its competitiveness after US tariffs

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on August 20, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 22, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Switzerland moves to strengthen its competitiveness after US tariffs
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

ZURICH (Reuters) -Switzerland is intensifying efforts to strengthen its attractiveness as a business location, its government said on Wednesday, after being hit with some of the highest U.S. tariffs

Switzerland Enhances Business Appeal Following U.S. Tariff Imposition

ZURICH (Reuters) -Switzerland is intensifying efforts to strengthen its attractiveness as a business location, its government said on Wednesday, after being hit with some of the highest U.S. tariffs worldwide.

Efforts will focus on regulatory relief for Swiss companies, and new rules incurring high costs for businesses could be pushed back, the government said in a statement.

U.S. President Donald Trump this month imposed U.S. import tariffs of 39% on Swiss goods, though pharmaceuticals and some other sectors have so far been spared the duties.

"(The government) wants to decisively press ahead with its economic policy agenda and is focusing on reducing the regulatory burden on companies," the government said.

Geographical diversification and Swiss companies' access to alternative international markets should also be strengthened, the statement said.

The new U.S. levies currently affect around 10% of Swiss goods exports, and could have potentially severe consequences for some companies, the government said.

Switzerland does not anticipate a recession akin to the global financial crisis or the pandemic, it added.

(Reporting by Ariane LuthiEditing by Dave Graham)

Key Takeaways

  • Switzerland aims to enhance its business attractiveness.
  • US imposed 39% tariffs on Swiss goods, excluding some sectors.
  • Swiss government focuses on regulatory relief for companies.
  • Geographical diversification of Swiss exports is prioritized.
  • No recession expected similar to past financial crises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What actions is Switzerland taking to improve its business environment?
Switzerland is focusing on regulatory relief for companies and may delay new rules that incur high costs for businesses.
How have U.S. tariffs affected Swiss exports?
The new U.S. tariffs currently impact around 10% of Swiss goods exports, which could have severe consequences for some companies.
What sectors are exempt from the new U.S. tariffs?
Pharmaceuticals and some other sectors have so far been spared from the new U.S. import tariffs imposed on Swiss goods.
Does Switzerland expect a recession due to the tariffs?
Switzerland does not anticipate a recession similar to the global financial crisis or the pandemic despite the new tariffs.
What is the government's focus in response to the tariffs?
The government aims to decisively advance its economic policy agenda by reducing the regulatory burden on companies and enhancing access to alternative international markets.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Headlines

Explore more articles in the Headlines category