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Thank Switzerland for the China-US Tariff Truce – Then Copy Its Playbook

Following a meeting between President Karin Keller-Sutter and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in May 2025, Switzerland and the United States decided to expedite negotiations on trade issues.
The talks follow U.S. Import duties initially set at 31% on Swiss products under President Trump’s tariffs policy, prompting Switzerland to seek mitigation measures.
Officials discussed non-tariff measures such as simplifying medical device approvals and extended short-time working compensation from 12 to 18 months to support Swiss companies.
Bern characterized the situation as “very challenging” yet anticipates no major economic downturn, while focusing on safeguarding employment, enhancing access to the U.S. Market, and addressing customs-related challenges with American authorities.
The Swiss government agreed on a draft negotiating mandate covering trade, vocational training, and tax issues, which will be submitted to parliament and cantons for approval.

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The Diplomat

Center

Thank Switzerland for the China-US Tariff Truce – Then Copy Its Playbook

Most analysis missed the role of Switzerland as host in the China-U.S. trade talks, but its quiet mediation should serve as a role model for other states.

2 days ago·Tokyo, Japan

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Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Lean Right

Agricultural Tariffs, Investments, Taxes: Federal Council Decides Negotiating Mandate with the USA

The talks between Bern and Washington on the customs dispute seem to have made some progress, at least to the point where the Swiss government is now presenting a concrete negotiating mandate.

2 days ago·Zürich, Switzerland

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Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF)

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Handelszeitung

Lean Left

Federal Council Adopts Draft US Negotiating Mandate

The Federal Council wants to negotiate in the US customs dispute and has drafted a mandate for it. Now the commissions are on the move.

2 days ago·Zürich, Switzerland

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The Straits Times

Lean Right

Swiss government agrees negotiating mandate on tariffs with U.S

ZURICH - The Swiss government wants to resolve customs issues with the United States and has agreed a draft negotiating mandate on trade and economic matters to be sent to parliament's foreign policy committees and the cantons, it said on Wednesday. Read more at straitstimes.com.

2 days ago·Singapore

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az Aargauer Zeitung

Reposted by

Luzerner Zeitung

How the Federal Council Tries to Stay up in the Customs Dispute with Trump

On Wednesday, the Federal Council approved the mandate for negotiations with the United States. It is an undertaking with considerable risk of crash. An analysis.

1 day ago

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rts.ch

Towards a Negotiating Mandate on Customs Duties with the United States

The Federal Council approved on Wednesday the draft terms of reference for negotiations with the United States to strengthen economic ties and find a solution on tariffs between the two countries.

2 days ago

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