Finance
Swiss industry group says Trump's latest US tariff hike creates more chaos
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 23, 2026
Quick Summary
Swissmem says Trump’s move to raise a temporary global tariff to 15% worsens chaos and chills investment. Switzerland, once hit with 39% then cut to 15%, is pushing to finalize a US deal by end-March.
Swiss Industry Slams Trump’s New 15% US Tariff as More Chaos
ZURICH, Feb 23 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's weekend announcement that he would increase a temporary tariff on U.S. imports from all countries to 15% from 10% has created more chaos, and the global uncertainty is dampening investment activity, Swiss industry association Swissmem said on Monday.
Swissmem Response and Tariff Details
Switzerland was subject to the highest U.S. tariffs in Europe when Trump imposed a 39% import duty on its exports in August. In November, Bern secured an initial deal that cut those levies to 15%, mirroring the rate for the European Union.
Tariff History and Negotiations
Switzerland has since begun talks to formalise that accord, which Washington wants to conclude by the end of March.
Industry Criticism and Call for Certainty
In a statement, Swissmem urged the government to keep pushing for a deal with the U.S. to create legal certainty, and it criticised the new tariffs.
"U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that he will increase the additional tariff imposed on Friday from 10% to 15% is exacerbating the current chaos," Swissmem said. "Global uncertainty is huge. This is dampening investment activity."
Timeline of Weekend Moves
Trump on Friday imposed a 10% temporary tariff after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff programme, and on Saturday he lifted the duty to 15%.
Implications for Swiss Rates
Swissmem said it looks as though the additional U.S. tariffs will not be added to the 15% tariff previously agreed between Switzerland and the United States.
Still, when added to a pre-existing 5% duty on industrial goods before Trump began rolling out his global tariffs last year, that would make for a rate of around 20% for Switzerland, Swissmem said.
Price Impact on U.S. Customers
"This will significantly increase prices for American customers," Swissmem said, noting that the only positive aspect for the mechanical and electrical engineering sector is that the same or similar tariffs are likely to apply to foreign rivals.
Switzerland’s Own Tariff Policy
Switzerland eliminated its own industrial tariffs in 2024.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Dave Graham; Editing by Linda Pasquini and Hugh Lawson)
Key Takeaways
- •Swissmem says the move to lift a temporary global tariff to 15% is intensifying chaos and dampening investment activity.
- •Switzerland previously faced 39% US tariffs before a preliminary deal reduced most levies to 15%, aligning with EU levels.
- •Talks to formalize the Swiss‑US tariff accord are underway, with Washington aiming to conclude by the end of March.
- •Swissmem expects prices for American customers of Swiss industrial goods to rise, although similar tariffs likely hit foreign rivals too.
- •Switzerland abolished its own industrial import tariffs in 2024, but exporters remain exposed to US measures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swiss industry group says Trump's latest US tariff hike creates more chaos
1What is the main topic?
A Swiss industry group, Swissmem, warns that President Trump’s decision to raise a temporary global tariff to 15% is creating further chaos and damping investment sentiment.
2How could this affect Swiss exporters?
Swiss exporters, especially in mechanical and electrical engineering, may see higher prices for US customers and increased planning uncertainty, even if rivals face similar tariff levels.
3What is the status of Swiss‑US tariff talks?
After a preliminary deal cut steep US duties to 15%, Switzerland and the US are negotiating a formal accord that Washington wants wrapped up by the end of March to provide legal certainty.
