Switzerland's Diplomatic Charm Offensive to Reduce Trump's Tariffs Gains Traction

Fri Nov 14 2025 01:29:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a bid to lower US tariffs on Swiss exports, Swiss leaders are engaging in strategic diplomacy, resulting in potential tariff reductions from 39% to 15%.

Swiss ministers and business leaders visited Washington to address President Trump's high tariffs on Swiss goods. Initially met with resistance, a charm offensive involving luxury gifts appears to be softening Trump's stance, leading to discussions on reducing tariffs significantly. Promises of Swiss investments and collaboration in various sectors are on the table as the Swiss economy grapples with the impact of current tariffs.

Swiss ministers are in Washington for talks aimed at slashing US President Donald Trump's steep 39% tariffs on Switzerland's exports to the US – the highest rate in Europe.

Initial attempts by Swiss President Karin Keller Sutter to change Trump's mind fell on deaf ears. But a visit by business leaders appears to have changed his mind.

Swiss industry chiefs came to the Oval Office on 4 November bearing gifts, including a Rolex gold watch and a specially engraved gold bar from Swiss-based gold refining company MKS.

For months the Swiss have been trying to bring down the high US tariff rate which has already hit Switzerland hard.

Trump's response to the Swiss president's bid was that she was a nice woman, but she did not want to listen. However, last week's private business initiative adopted a more unconventional approach.

After their discussions, Trump indicated that a deal is being worked on to lower tariffs a little bit… I haven't set any number.

Swiss industrialists, who engaged in the process as a unified front, expressed optimism following their discussions.

Some business figures had established connections within Trump's inner circle, which were leveraged during negotiations. Notably, Trump recently mingled with Rolex CEO Jean Frédéric Dufour at the US Open tennis final.

Dufour's presence in talks with Trump at the Oval Office, alongside other business leaders, exemplifies this strategy of combining private and public sector efforts.

As part of the expected negotiations, Swiss pharmaceutical companies are pledging to establish more production facilities in the US, while Swiss International Airlines may shift to Boeing for future aircraft purchases.

With tariffs impacting their operations, many Swiss firms are monitoring the situation closely, as some are warning of potential furloughs if the high rates persist.

In a twist, FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly being called upon to advocate for Switzerland, having previously visited Trump bearing the FIFA World Cup trophy, establishing rapport with the president.

The unfolding situation suggests a mix of diplomatic charm and strategic economic move, as both nations seek to balance interests amidst changing trade dynamics.