The United States has just imposed a 39% tariff on a broad range of Swiss imports, escalating a recent trade dispute that has shocked Switzerland and rattled several major industries.
The original tariff, announced by President Donald Trump on August 1, 2025, will take effect on August 7 unless the two countries can reach a last-minute deal.
Although it started at 31%, the increased rate was imposed after Switzerland reportedly failed to offer sufficient trade concessions during recent negotiations.
President Trump is known for his tough negotiating, and Switzerland is now on the receiving end of the bargain!
What Products Will Be Affected?
The new duties will affect nearly 60% of Swiss exports to the U.S., including
- the chocolates we all know and love
- luxury watches – we all secretly adore!
- industrial machinery – which is of course, less of an issue for most of us
- certain medical devices.
For now, Switzerland’s famous pharmaceutical industry remains exempt!
So, if you are coming to Switzerland, best stock up on a boatload of Lindt chocolate and get that Rolex in before you come home!
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Weaker Swiss Franc
One piece of good news for visitors from the USA is a weaker Swiss Franc, which has recently gained significantly against the US Dollar.
The Swiss franc weakened slightly following the announcement, and shares of major exporters, especially luxury brands, fell on the Swiss stock exchange.
I am not sure this will last, if negotiations go well, but it could have a negative effect on the franc in the short-term!
Tough Effect on GDP Predicted
Analysts estimate a 0.3% to 0.6% contraction in Switzerland’s GDP, which could rise to over 1% if pharmaceutical exports are included later.
Tens of thousands of export-related jobs may be at risk, particularly in the watch and engineering sectors.
Plan Your Trip to Switzerland
Accommodation: I always book my hotels via Booking.com. They have some of the best rates, longterm deals, easy cancellation and more 
Transport: Train travel is one of the best ways to explore Switzerland. Buying a Swiss Travel Pass is a great way to save money on travel and museums. 
Car Rental: Having a car gives you flexibility on your travels. I use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to get the best deals on car rentals in Switzerland. 
Luggage Storage: Find out where you can store your store your luggage while you are visiting various places in Switzerland. 
Trips & Tours:Viator and Get Your Guide are the best places to find local tours and trips for your adventures in Switzerland. 
Packing: Here are my recommendations for what to pack for a trip to Switzerland. As someone who has lived half their life in Switzerland, I have a good idea of what you need to bring! 
