Goods will become more expensive, especially in the US. If the US economy falters, this would also have consequences for Switzerland.
Swiss companies with subsidiaries in China or Mexico would be particularly affected. “Not everyone has the opportunity to pass on the tariffs to US customers,” Brupbacher said. The pressure on suppliers could increase, particularly in highly competitive sectors such as the automotive industry. They would either have to produce more cheaply or risk losing their orders.
Countermeasures by the affected countries, such as the punitive tariffs introduced by Canada on US products, could further exacerbate the situation. Brupbacher warned of a possible escalation spiral, as seen in the global economic crisis of the 1930s.
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Swiss tariffs abolished
Switzerland does, however, have some advantages. All industrial tariffs, including on products from the US, have already been abolished in the country. Switzerland is also a major investor in the US and creates skilled jobs there.
It is now up to the federal government to emphasise the importance of these relationships to the US and prevent any possible misunderstandings.
On Sunday, US President Trump imposed far-reaching punitive tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico and China. The orders he signed impose tariffs of 10% on imports from China and 25% on imports from Mexico and Canada. A rate of 10% applies to energy imports from Canada.
Trump’s decrees also contain a passage that provides for a possible increase or extension of the tariffs if the countries affected respond with retaliatory measures such as counter-tariffs on US products.
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Wobbling EU economy concerns Switzerland
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Switzerland’s finance minister concerned about economic slump recorded by important trading partners, the EU and Germany.
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