Purchase of American gas and investments in the USA. The Swiss want to buy in Trump's favors

The Swiss government is ready to present the US with a “more attractive proposal” to avoid 39 percent. customs – the Federal Council said on Monday. The purchase of American LNG or investments of Swiss companies in the USA is involved.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday decided to increase duties to goods from Switzerland to 39 percent. This is one of the highest rates from all countries of the world. The new tariffs are to come into force on Thursday.

On Monday, the Swiss Federal Council announced that it is ready for further negotiations with the US and presenting a “more attractive proposition”. She did not rule out continuing negotiations after Thursday, after the start of increased duties.

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In the federal council, no details about the Swiss proposal were given. Earlier, the Vice President of Switzerland Guy Parmelin talked about shopping for American LNG or investments in the USA.

The Associated Press agency writes that it is not clear whether the increased duties will also include the Swiss pharmaceutical industry. Until now, he was covered by exceptions. The resources are very keen to avoid increased duties, because their introduction will mean that in this Alpine country tens of thousands of people will be threatened with the loss of workplace. Economists from the Federal University of Technology in Zurich also warn that Switzerland's GDP may fall by one percent as a result.

The daily “Tags-Anzeiger” for the fiasco in negotiations is blamed by the President of Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter. It was her Thursday telephone conversation with Trump that was to lead to the decision of the White House about increasing their duties.

Gazeta from Zurich reports that Trump in the conversation “felt instructed” when Keller-Sutter tried to explain to Trump in detail where the excess of Switzerland in trade with the USA comes from.

Still during the conversation, SMS from Trump's surroundings was to come to the Swiss that it would be better for Bern if it ends quickly. Two hours later, the White House announced the intention to increase his duties to Switzerland. Instead of 31 percent The originally planned 39 percent were announced.

The White House explained on Friday that it was decided to move because Switzerland refused concessions. Trade relations between countries were named in a “unilateral” message.

The Switzerland based on the exports in 2024 had a trade surplus from the US in the amount of $ 48 billion in 2024. The United States is the largest foreign market for Swiss companies, responsible for 17 percent. export. Switzerland is also the sixth largest foreign investor in the USA. (PAP)

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