Finance
Swiss official says country may have to accept US tariffs as permanent
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 22, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 22, 2026
Quick Summary
Switzerland should brace for US tariffs to persist, SECO’s Helene Budliger Artieda says after a court ruling and a new 15% move. A November framework eased some levies, but overall duties may remain similar as talks continue.
Swiss Official: U.S. Tariffs Likely to Become a Permanent Fixture
Switzerland’s Outlook on Enduring U.S. Tariffs
ZURICH, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Switzerland should prepare for the likelihood that U.S. tariffs will remain in place permanently, the head of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) was quoted as saying on Sunday, despite last week's U.S. Supreme Court ruling.
Switzerland was one of the countries in the sights of U.S. President Donald Trump after he unleashed swingeing tariffs on global trade partners last year, being hit by the highest tariff rate in Europe before it was eventually lowered.
Supreme Court Ruling and 15% Tariff Response
The U.S. Supreme Court last week struck down Trump's tariff programme, only for him to announce a 15% across-the-board tariff in response. Helene Budliger Artieda of SECO, the body that negotiated tariffs with the United States at a technical level, told Swiss newspaper SonntagsBlick that she expected the tariffs to persist.
"I suspect we will have to come to terms with U.S. tariffs," said Budliger Artieda. She added the U.S. government had indicated alternative legal avenues to maintain tariffs, such as invoking national security provisions or citing unfair trade practices.
Effect on Swiss Customs Duties
Swiss authorities are currently assessing the impact of Trump's 15% global tariff announcement. Budliger Artieda said the overall level of customs duties on Swiss goods was likely to remain broadly unchanged.
U.S. Trade Policy Goals
"It is clear that the U.S. administration remains committed to its trade policy goals: reducing the U.S. trade deficit, achieving greater reciprocity in international trade, and bringing production back to the United States."
Framework Deal with the United States
Bern and Washington reached a framework agreement in November to avert a full-scale trade war. Under the deal, tariffs on Swiss exports to the United States were reduced from 39% to 15%, aligning them with the rate applied to European Union exporters.
Swiss Investment Pledge to the U.S.
In return, Swiss companies committed to investments in the United States totalling $200 billion by the end of 2028.
Timeline to Finalize Agreement
The two sides at the time pledged to finalise that agreement by the end of March, and those negotiations are ongoing, said Budliger Artieda.
Post-Ruling Contacts with U.S. Officials
She also said that SECO had been in touch with U.S. trade officials after the court's ruling.
(Reporting by Oliver Hirt; editing by Matthias Williams)
Key Takeaways
- •SECO head Helene Budliger Artieda says Switzerland should prepare for US tariffs to remain in place.
- •Despite a recent court ruling, Trump announced a fresh 15% across-the-board tariff.
- •A November framework deal cut tariffs on Swiss exports from 39% to 15% and aimed to avoid a trade war.
- •Switzerland expects overall customs duties on its goods to stay broadly unchanged for now.
- •US trade goals cited include shrinking the deficit, boosting reciprocity, and reshoring production.
Frequently Asked Questions about Swiss official says country may have to accept US tariffs as permanent
1What is the main topic?
A senior Swiss official says Switzerland may need to accept US tariffs as a lasting feature of trade relations, despite a recent court ruling and new tariff actions from Washington.
2What tariffs did the United States announce?
Following a court decision, the US announced a 15% across-the-board tariff, signaling continued resolve on trade measures.
3What was included in the November framework deal?
Bern and Washington agreed to reduce tariffs on Swiss exports from 39% to 15% and outlined Swiss investment commitments in the US, with negotiations to finalize terms by the end of March.
