ZURICH, March 29 (Reuters) - Trade talks between Switzerland and the United States will continue beyond March following a preliminary accord on tariffs struck last year, Swiss President Guy Parmelin
Swiss-U.S. Trade Negotiations Extended Beyond March Due to Tariff Changes
Developments in Swiss-U.S. Trade Talks and Tariff Policies
Background of Tariff Impositions
ZURICH, March 29 (Reuters) - Trade talks between Switzerland and the United States will continue beyond March following a preliminary accord on tariffs struck last year, Swiss President Guy Parmelin said.
Switzerland was subject to the highest U.S. tariffs in Europe when U.S. President Donald Trump in August imposed a 39% duty on products imported from the country.
Initial Agreement and Formalization Efforts
In November, Bern sealed an initial deal to cut the tariffs to 15%. Switzerland later began talks to formalise that accord, which Washington was pressing to conclude by the end of March.
Recent Legal and Political Developments
U.S. Supreme Court Ruling and New Duties
In February, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump's global tariffs, prompting him to order a fresh 10% global duty.
New Investigations and Uncertainty
In March, the U.S. launched new investigations against major trading partners, including Switzerland, casting further uncertainty over how talks would proceed.
Statements from Swiss Leadership
Parmelin, who is also the Swiss economy minister, told state broadcaster RSI this weekend the March target was "de facto" no longer applicable and that negotiations would continue.
Next Steps in Negotiations
The next round of Swiss-U.S. trade talks is likely to take place in April, according to two people familiar with the matter.
(Reporting by Dave Graham, Editing by Rachel More)
