Swissmechanic warns: Excessive US tariffs jeopardize Switzerland as a business location
With the unilaterally increased tariffs on Swiss industrial products, the US government is sending a clear protectionist signal. Swissmechanic warns of the long-term consequences for small and medium-sized companies in Swiss industry. The government must now act with clarity and self-confidence - and make decisive use of the existing window of opportunity for negotiations with the USA.
The Swiss government is still in talks with the USA. The industry association Swissmechanic supports this course, but is calling for clear results by August 7. This is because Switzerland can only secure its industrial location through global networking and reliable framework conditions. "Our industry can only survive in the long term with global networking and fair conditions," emphasizes Nicola Tettamanti, President of Swissmechanic.
Innovative strength weakened
The new US tariff rate is significantly higher than the average for comparable countries - and is hardly economically comprehensible. Export-oriented SMEs in particular are confronted with sudden planning uncertainty. The necessary adjustments to the new conditions inhibit investment and weaken innovative strength.
Swissmechanic sees this development not only as an economic signal, but also an industrial policy signal. The decision is obviously politically motivated and represents a breach of the principles of fair trade. This is dangerous - not only for Swiss industry, but also for long-term cooperation with the USA.
Losing touch
Switzerland must not become one of the few countries that are permanently struggling with structural competitive disadvantages. What is needed now is a clear line and the determined will to keep the workplace internationally competitive. "Switzerland must now act with clarity and self-confidence - otherwise it risks losing ground internationally," says Erich Sannemann, Director of Swissmechanic.
Swissmechanic will work hard to ensure that the interests of the industry are safeguarded. Open markets, reliable framework conditions and a strong political voice are the only way to prevent Swiss industry from being torn between geopolitical interests.
Source: Swissmechanic
