Trump’s tariffs expose weakness of Switzerland’s economic independence
Officials worry that country’s historic strengths have become liabilities in age of trade wars
Officials worry that country’s historic strengths have become liabilities in age of trade wars

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

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

Manufacturers and dealers are threatened by increased levy in a market worth more than $5bn

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

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

President Karin Keller-Sutter under fire for failed trade talks with Trump administration