Our coverage of the global trade war

Global trade war

The President of the Confederation meets Pope Leo XIV

Foreign Affairs

Swiss president discusses tariffs with Pope Leo XIV

This content was published on Oct 3, 2025 Swiss president discusses tariffs and global affairs with Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican.

Government circles: New US pharmaceutical tariffs to start later

Global trade

US delays pharma tariffs to push for more drug pricing deals

This content was published on Oct 2, 2025 US delays pharma tariffs, urging companies to relocate production or lower prices.

Healthcare innovation

Pharma tariffs could trigger Swiss recession, warns economist

This content was published on Sep 30, 2025 US tariffs on pharmaceutical products could lead to a recession in Switzerland but there remains a lot of uncertainty.

Swiss economy likely to grow much slower than expected in 2026

Tariffs dampen Swiss economic growth prospects

This content was published on Sep 24, 2025 Swiss economy likely to grow much more slowly in 2026 than was assumed in the summer.

Global trade

US tariffs force Switzerland to rethink trade ties

This content was published on Sep 24, 2025 United States trade policy is rattling countries worldwide and prompting them to redirect trade flows at record speed.

Workplace

If the Swiss Army knife is made in America, is it still Swiss?

This content was published on Sep 22, 2025 US President Donald Trump’s 39% tariff on Switzerland has forced some companies to consider whether they could produce in the US while still retaining their Swiss identity.

Trade policy

Swiss Jura region hit hard by US tariffs

This content was published on Sep 18, 2025 Since the beginning of September, more than 100 Jura companies, employing a total of 4,000 people, have applied for short-time work compensation.

Fall in watch exports to the United States in August

Trade policy

Swiss watch exports to US take tumble amid high tariffs

This content was published on Sep 18, 2025 Swiss watch exports went into a tailspin in August, plummeting by almost a quarter, following a 45% jump in July.

Ricola: new factory opening postponed, US duties weighed

Workplace

Ricola postpones new Swiss factory opening due to US tariffs

This content was published on Sep 17, 2025 Ricola delays new Swiss factory plans due to US tariffs, with investments and 100 jobs on hold.

Global customs dispute weighs on Swiss labour market

Global trade

Global tariff dispute weighs on Swiss labour market

This content was published on Sep 17, 2025 Swiss employers expect fewer hires in late 2025 as global tariffs bite.

Companies respond to customs duties with automation and regionalisation

Trade policy

Swiss firms react to tariffs with automation and local production

This content was published on Sep 16, 2025 According to a survey, Swiss companies have taken several measures in response to the recently announced tariffs by the United States, including increasing efficiency and automation.

Agribusiness

Can Switzerland lower agricultural tariffs to negotiate a better deal with the US?

This content was published on Sep 15, 2025 The European Union, which wrangled a much lower US tariff, offered concessions on certain food imports. Is this an option for Switzerland?

Hayek (Swatch): 'whole world saw Switzerland panic'

Foreign Affairs

Swatch CEO on tariffs: ‘whole world saw Switzerland panic’

This content was published on Sep 15, 2025 Swatch CEO criticises Swiss government’s response to US tariffs, urging stronger action.

US Secretary of Commerce Lutnick believes in customs deal with Switzerland

Global trade

US Secretary of Commerce confident of Swiss tariff deal

This content was published on Sep 12, 2025 US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick confident about striking a customs deal with Switzerland.

Despite US tariff hammer: Swiss SME sentiment remains stable

Global trade

Swiss SME sentiment remains stable despite steep US tariffs

This content was published on Sep 11, 2025 Despite the high US tariffs, the mood among Swiss SMEs has hardly deteriorated. However, two-thirds of export-oriented companies have now adjusted their export strategy.

Council of States wants to counter high US tariffs with extended short-time working

Global trade

Swiss Senate votes to extend short-time working to counter tariffs

This content was published on Sep 10, 2025 Swiss Senate approves extension of short-time working compensation in the face of US tariffs.

US Supreme Court to hear case on Trump's tariffs

Global trade

Swiss await US Supreme Court ruling on tariffs

This content was published on Sep 10, 2025 US Supreme Court to rule on legality of Trump’s tariff policy, which impacts Swiss imports duties.

Mechanical engineering companies have been struggling with weak growth, and not just since Trump

Swiss mechanical firms were struggling before Trump

This content was published on Sep 8, 2025 Swiss mechanical engineering companies are said to be one of the main victims of Donald Trump’s high tariffs. However, the industry has been struggling for years.