‘Knives out’: Switzerland descends into blame game after US tariff shock
President Karin Keller-Sutter under fire for failed trade talks with Trump administration
President Karin Keller-Sutter under fire for failed trade talks with Trump administration

New duty level on Swiss goods one of highest in the world and exceeds 31% rate outlined by Donald Trump in April

Karin Keller-Sutter and economy minister Guy Parmelin’s Washington trip follows Trump decision to hit country with steep tariffs

Officials worry that country’s historic strengths have become liabilities in age of trade wars

Trump’s trade representative Jamieson Greer says tariffs will be reduced to 15%, ending months-long dispute with Bern

European country hopes to reduce levy from 39% after business leaders stepped in to drive the talks forward

Bern offers to buy more American weapons and energy in attempt to persuade Washington to lower its import levies