Following the announcement by the United States that it would be increasing the additional tariff on goods from Switzerland to 39 per cent, the Federal Council decided on 4 August to continue negotiations with the US government. Switzerland along with Liechtenstein have now succeeded in concluding a non-binding declaration of intent with the USA. On this basis, the USA will reduce the country-specific additional tariff to a maximum of 15%.
Points of contact for affected businesses
- If you have specific questions regarding US import regulations and tariffs on imports from Switzerland, please refer to the information provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection helpline: traderemedy@cbp.dhs.gov
- For further advice in connection with exports from Switzerland to the USA you can contact Export Help at Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE):
Tel.: 0844 811 812
Email: exporthelp@s-ge.com
Website: S-GE ExportHelp | S-GE - Importers, customs brokers and industry associations can provide further details.
As part of this declaration of intent, Switzerland will reduce its import duties on a range of US products. In addition to all industrial products, fish and seafood, this includes agricultural products from the US that Switzerland considers non sensitive. For other US export interests, a solution was agreed that takes Switzerland's agricultural policy interests into account: under the declaration of intent, Switzerland will grant the US duty-free bilateral tariff quotas on selected US export products: 500 tonnes for beef, 1,000 tonnes for bison meat and 1,500 tonnes for poultry meat. The date for implementing these market access concessions will be coordinated with the US to ensure that customs duties are reduced at the same time.
Furthermore, Swiss companies are planning to make direct investments in the USA amounting to USD 200 billion by the end of 2028. This should also include efforts to strengthen vocational education and training.
The announcement of the reduction in additional US tariffs on Swiss imports will serve to stabilise bilateral trade relations. Although overall tariffs remain higher than before the additional tariffs were introduced in April, the agreed reduction in additional tariffs is expected to have a positive impact on the Swiss economy.
The previously applicable US tariffs will remain in place until further notice. Detailed information on the duties applicable thereafter will be published on this page in due course.
Current balance of trade between Switzerland and the US
The bilateral balance of trade between Switzerland and the US is relatively even. The US has a surplus in service exports and Switzerland in goods exports. Switzerland’s goods export surplus is not due to ‘unfair’ trade practices. Switzerland abolished all industrial tariffs on 1 January 2024. 99.3% of all goods from the US can be imported into Switzerland tariff-free.
Switzerland does not provide market-distorting industrial subsidies. The goods export surplus can largely be attributed to exports from the chemical and pharmaceutical industry and the gold trade. Switzerland has specialised in the chemical-pharmaceutical industry for decades and accordingly invests substantially in research and development in the US (largest foreign investor in research and development activities).
The provision of binding legal information on US import regulations and tariffs is the responsibility of the relevant US authorities (see contact details for US Customs and Border Protection). The information provided here is for information purposes only.
Last modification 17.11.2025
