Swiss president meets US Secretary of State amid looming tariffs

On August 5, 2025, Switzerland's President Karin Keller-Sutter urgently flew to Washington, D.C. to engage in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding impending tariffs that threaten Swiss exports. The U.S. government had previously announced a new list of tariff levels set to take effect, which included a substantial increase in duties on Swiss imports, raising it to a staggering 39%. This situation has caused significant concern among Swiss officials as it poses a serious threat to the economy, especially since this duty is notably higher than those applied to other economies, such as the European Union and Japan, which face a 15% duty on their exports. In her discussions with Rubio, Keller-Sutter focused on bilateral cooperation and the overall impact of tariffs on the Swiss economy and international trade relations. Despite the urgency of her visit, her attempts to secure a meeting with President Donald Trump remain unconfirmed, creating uncertainty around the future of Swiss-American trade relations. The backdrop to these discussions is President Trump's previous comments suggesting a willingness to impose a steep 31% tariff on Swiss goods. This unexpected announcement, followed by the release of the updated tariff list, took Swiss officials by surprise, prompting Keller-Sutter's rapid action. The Swiss Administration indicated a strong desire to continue discussions to reach an amicable resolution before the new tariffs go into effect, highlighting the importance of maintaining a strong economic connection with the United States. While the proposed tariffs do not specifically target the pharmaceutical sector, a key industry for Switzerland, additional tariffs on pharmaceutical imports remain a possibility. This could spell further complications for Swiss companies in the American market, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions. The Swiss delegation accompanying Keller-Sutter includes various business leaders who share concern about the tariffs' potential impacts on Swiss trade, pushing for negotiations that might mitigate the consequences of the tariff increase. As the situation develops, the Swiss government has expressed hope that their discussions would lead to constructive outcomes that allow for stable trade relations moving forward, and Keller-Sutter's visit is seen as a testament to Switzerland's commitment to forging strong international partnerships.