Switzerland to extend US trade talks beyond March deadline, says Parmelin

The March 31 deadline is “no longer valid”, Parmelin told the Swiss public broadcaster RSI. Keystone-SDA

Switzerland will continue negotiating a trade agreement with the United States beyond the planned March 31 deadline, Swiss President Guy Parmelin said on Saturday on the sidelines of the Swiss People's Party's delegates’ assembly.

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The March 31 deadline is “no longer valid”, Parmelin told the Swiss public broadcaster RSI, citing a recent US Supreme Court ruling that overturned specific tariffs imposed on several countries and deemed them illegal.

“Two meetings have already taken place and more are planned. But the US Supreme Court’s decision has cast doubt on part of the legal basis used by the United States,” Parmelin said.

In its February 20 ruling, the court found that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not allow the US president to impose general customs duties. Washington subsequently introduced new across‑the‑board tariffs of 10% under a different legal framework.

These new tariffs replace the previous ones for 150 days. “Despite this, negotiations are continuing, and there is no need to wait until July to reach a result,” Parmelin added.

Adapted from Italian by AI/sb

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