US President Donald Trump imposed comprehensive tariffs on numerous import products from abroad, including those from Switzerland. Products from the Swiss Confederation will be subject to surcharges of up to 31 percent in the future.
The reactions from Swiss politics are falling out of line. SVP Vice-Chairman and National Councillor Franz Grüter, who had previously identified as a Trump supporter, expressed surprise and indignation.
“The tariffs of 31 percent on most Swiss products are enormous and incomprehensible – the Swiss industry and economy are severely affected” Grüter emphasized, adding that the US would not profit from the trade hindrances either.
“Handelszölle have been considered the greatest possible risk of a Trump presidency from the start” Grüter further stated.
Now, the Federal Council is being called upon to clarify that Switzerland, despite a negative trade balance, greatly benefits from US investments.
“Guy Parmelin and Karin Keller-Sutter must clearly show in the US that the United States, despite a negative trade balance, greatly benefit from Swiss investments and that many Swiss people also receive US services – Trump has completely ignored this” Grüter said.
Reactions in the Federal House are diverse. The Social Democratic Party (SP) demands a decisive response from Switzerland. “The Swiss must now show backbone” the party, led by Co-Presidents Cédric Wermuth and Mattea Meyer, stated.
The tariffs by Trump are an attempt to intimidate Europe and Switzerland, the SP further said and sees the need for stable relationships with the EU as a response to the aggressive US trade practices.
The Swiss Trade Union Federation (SGB), on the other hand, advises caution and warns against escalation.
“For the Swiss export industry, such tariffs are indeed disturbing – but a dramatization of the situation is, however, misplaced” the SGB said, demanding a common trade policy with the EU and “other democratic states” to address the situation and an devaluation of the Swiss franc could also be part of a solution.
The Centre Party is concerned about the economic impact of the new tariffs and demands practical solutions. Party President Gerhard Pfister emphasized that the tariffs “hurt everyone – even Switzerland.” The Federal Council must quickly analyze the situation and find practical solutions to support the affected industries.
The Greens sharply criticize US policy and demand a clear plan B from Switzerland. The party describes Trump’s trade war as unpredictable and dangerous for Switzerland. Party Chair Lisa Mazzone and National Councillor Balthasar Glättli announced a press conference to further discuss the situation.