SECO: US duties, votes and change at the top

Context

In brief

• US tariffs on goods produced with forced labor from July 24, 2026
• Federal vote on war materiel on November 29, 2026
• Resignation of State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda at the end of March 2027

Key facts

• US tariff date: July 24, 2026
• Maximum additional duty: 12.5%
• War materiel vote: November 29, 2026
• Resignation of Helene Budliger Artieda: end of March 2027
• SECO employees: over 900
• Posted staff: 50 in 32 countries

On July 24, 2026, the United States introduced new trade measures, applying variable additional duties of up to 12.5% on goods imported from Switzerland, based on investigations into forced labor conducted under the Trade Act of 1974. These duties are in addition to existing MFN tariffs. Domestically, a popular vote regarding the amendment of the Federal Act on War Materiel is scheduled for November 29, 2026. In parallel, on September 16, 2026, President of the Confederation Guy Parmelin informed the Federal Council of the resignation of State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda, who will leave office at the end of March 2027. A specific committee will be formed to manage the succession. SECO, the central institution dealing with these economic dynamics, currently has over 900 employees distributed across three locations in Switzerland and 50 units posted in 32 foreign countries. The internal structure is divided into four directorates and the Resources performance area, under the coordination of the steering committee. Strategic management is entrusted to the SECO directorate, the central body for the discussion of significant issues. SECO also maintains an active commitment to training, offering numerous apprenticeship positions and university internships for young professionals in Switzerland.

Operational details

Analysis of operational and institutional dynamics

The recent developments involving SECO highlight the institution's central role in managing international trade relations and defining federal policies. The introduction of additional tariffs of up to 12.5% by the United States, effective from July 24, 2026, represents a significant change in the landscape for Swiss companies operating with the American market. Unlike previous periods, compliance with forced labor regulations, as outlined in Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974, becomes a direct evaluation parameter for market access. This situation requires constant attention from national economic operators. On the political front, the vote on November 29, 2026, regarding the Federal Act on War Material is part of a legislative review process that directly involves Parliament and the Federal Council. The resignation announced on September 16, 2026, by Helene Budliger Artieda, scheduled for the end of March 2027, marks a transition phase for the leadership of the State Secretariat. The creation of a succession committee ensures operational continuity during a period characterized by complex challenges, including the implementation of sanctions against Russia, supported by the Federal Council since February 28, 2022. The solidity of the organization is guaranteed by the presence of over 900 employees who work daily to monitor the national and foreign economy. SECO's efficiency in coordinating the various strategic directorates remains the cornerstone for managing the repercussions of such decisions on the country's economic life, balancing the needs of international compliance with Swiss legislative priorities regarding exports and foreign policy.

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Key points

Consultation procedures and access to information

For citizens, businesses and economic operators who need to orient themselves between federal decisions and economic policy issues, the SECO portal represents the main point of reference for accessing official information. The structure of the website is organized to facilitate navigation through a thematic subdivision that allows you to quickly find data relating to ongoing dossiers, such as the modification of the federal law on war material or updates on international trade restrictions. For those who wish to delve deeper into their situation in terms of economic or work impact, it is advisable to regularly monitor the sections dedicated to official publications. SECO constantly publishes the details necessary to understand the measures in force, including the additional duties applicable from 24 July 2026. For professionals looking for opportunities, the training and work section offers details on apprenticeships and university internships available at the institution. Constant consultation of the official pages allows you to stay updated on the procedures necessary to comply with the new directives, especially for companies that export goods. For those wishing to delve deeper into the impact of economic changes on their working conditions or seek new professional opportunities, we recommend consulting the sections dedicated to job advertisements on jobs. Managing your finances in a context of regulatory changes requires prudence; for an assessment of your tax position, please refer to the portal dedicated to tax-return, while for those who need to manage their savings in view of changes in the cost of living, it is useful to consult cost-of-living for an updated overview.

For a precise net salary calculation, use our tax comparator: compare take-home pay between G and B permits with all 2026 deductions.

Source: seco.admin.ch