Switzerland lodges protest against EU steel tariffs
Swiss steel manufacturers fear being frozen out of the EU market if they exceed restrictive quotas.
Keystone
Swiss negotiators say they have had “constructive” talks with the European Union over protective steel tariffs that Brussels has imposed in the midst of a trade row with the United States.
The EU slapped import duties on steel shipments in July after the US had applied a similar tariff on steel and aluminum imports. Steel imports from Switzerland are also potentially affected by the 25% tariff placed on shipments that exceed a certain quota.
Switzerland has protested that the move violates the 1972 free trade agreement it has with the EU. It raised these concerns during an extraordinary meeting of the FTA joint committee in Brussels on Tuesday.
“Switzerland is demanding that the EU Commission either exempt Switzerland from the protective measures or implement them without restricting bilateral trade,” Switzerland stated. “Both sides confirmed that the protective measures should have as little impact as possible on trade flows between Switzerland and the EU.”
While no concrete decisions appear to have taken, both sides will meet again during a regular meeting of the joint committee scheduled for November 13.
Some 98% of Swiss steel imports come from the EU and 95% of Swiss steel exports go in the opposite direction.
“The EU protective measures therefore make EU market access for Swiss steel companies considerably more difficult,” read the Swiss statement. “Swiss suppliers are worried that they will be forced out of the European domestic market if the quotas are exhausted.”
Most Read Swiss Abroad
More
Initiative launched against excessively high Swiss rents
Switzerland participates in ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting
This content was published on
This engagement was part of a four-day tour of Southeast Asia, aimed at advancing the Swiss Federal Council's Southeast Asia Strategy.
Majority of shareholders approve sustainability reports of major Swiss companies
This content was published on
Shareholders have approved the sustainability reports of the largest Swiss companies by a large majority at their annual general meetings.
EU releases €1.5B frozen assets to Ukraine: Switzerland opts out
This content was published on
The EU announced the release of €1.5 billion (CHF1.44 billion) in aid to Ukraine. Switzerland will not follow the EU's approach.
Five people charged in connection with deadly Swiss rockslide
This content was published on
Five people have been charged with multiple negligent homicide in connection with the deadly Bondo rockslide that occurred seven years ago.
Mountaineer dies after 100-metre fall from Matterhorn
This content was published on
A women fell down the east face of the iconic mountain on Thursday, from an altitude of some 3,460 meters above sea level.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Brussels’ man in Bern hints at Swiss protectionism
This content was published on
The EU ambassador to Switzerland highlights the benefits for Switzerland of close relations with the EU but warns against anti-EU discrimination.
Swiss minister laments ‘discriminatory’ stock exchange access to EU
This content was published on
Schneider-Ammann was in Brussels on Monday for talks with European Union Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström on issues ranging from Swiss stock exchange access to the single market to US tariffs on steel and aluminium. Switzerland is not a member of the EU; economic and other relationships are governed by more than 120 bilateral deals agreed…
This content was published on
“I have heard a lot of talk here [in Davos] about protectionism and trade wars. That would destroy jobs, it would not create job,” he said at a WEF press conference. “I am urging everyone to show caution, to show leadership. We must definitely not talk ourselves into a crisis.” Azevédo did not refer specifically…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.