Bern and Washington to start trade negotiations ‘as soon as possible’
Switzerland and the United States want to start the first round of negotiations for a trade agreement as soon as possible, according to Swiss economics minister Guy Parmelin.
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Bern and Washington to start trade negotiations ‘as soon as possible’
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The first round of negotiations will take place in Bern.
Parmelin held “very constructive talks” with US trade representative Jamieson Greer, Parmelin wrote on the X network. The meeting took place on Thursday morning in Davos on the fringes of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
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State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda was also present at the meeting. Negotiations would be conducted at a “technical level” in Bern.
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On Wednesday, Parmelin told the media that a meeting with Greer would take place soon. The modalities of the negotiations would be discussed at this meeting. Among other things, the location and regularity of the talks would be discussed.
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The envisaged agreement is intended to resolve the customs dispute between Bern and Washington. Last year, the US initially imposed a tariff of up to 39% on Swiss goods. After several months of talks, this tariff was reduced to 15% in November. The agreement is now to be set out in a legally binding agreement by March 31.
Parmelin also met with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday afternoon. The trade balance between Switzerland and the US was part of the discussions.
Translated from German by AI/mga
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