Which Swiss products are subject to the 12.5% US tariff?

The source does not specify detailed sectors or product categories. The duties adopted on 24 July 2026 apply to goods produced using forced labour according to the investigation of section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. The variable duty can be up to 12.5% and is in addition to the MFN duties already in force. Companies must check with SECO whether their specific exported products fall into the affected categories.

When did the US tariffs on Switzerland go into effect?

The additional duties were adopted on 24 July 2026 by the US administration on the basis of the investigation of Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. A variable duty of up to 12.5% applies to Swiss imports, calculated in addition to the MFN (Most Favoured Nation) levels already in force at the time of adoption.

How can Swiss companies adapt to US duties?

Companies must check with SECO whether their products exported to the USA are affected by Section 301 tariffs. They should then analyse the financial impact on profitability margins and monitor the opportunities offered by the optimised free trade agreement concluded on 20 August. SECO provides official advice and support on these strategic issues.

Who is SECO and what is its role in international trade relations?

The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is the federal body responsible for international economic policy and support for Swiss exports. It has more than 900 employees at three locations in Switzerland and 50 experts in 32 countries. SECO has four main directorates and coordinates the federal response to international regulatory changes such as the US tariffs of 24 July 2026.

US tariffs on Switzerland: 12.5% and optimized agreement July-August 2026 (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 8 September 2026

Swiss State Secretariat for the Economy (SECO) headquarters in Bern, the central hub of Switzerland's national economic policy.

On 24 July 2026, the US will impose tariffs of up to 12.5% on Swiss imports. Negotiations on the free trade agreement concluded on 20 August: impact on exports and competitiveness.

Context

In Brief

On July 24, 2026, the USA applies tariffs up to 12.5% on Swiss imports
Additional tariffs are calculated above the MFN levels already in force
On August 20, negotiations on the free trade agreement concluded
SECO coordinates the federal response

Key Facts

What: Additional US tariffs based on forced labor investigation (Section 301 Trade Act 1974)
When: Adopted July 24, 2026; agreement concluded August 20, 2026
Where: USA-Switzerland bilateral trade
Who: US Administration; SECO (Swiss State Secretariat for the Economy)
Amount: Variable tariff up to 12.5% above MFN tariffs

On July 24, 2026, the United States adopted additional tariffs on imports from several countries, including Switzerland. The action is based on an investigation into the trade of goods produced through forced labor, conducted under Section 301 of the 1974 US Trade Act. For Swiss imports, the USA applies an additional variable tariff that can reach 12.5%; these amounts are added to the MFN (Most Favored Nation) tariffs already in force, increasing the overall cost of access to the American market.

A few days after this announcement, on August 20, 2026, negotiations on the optimization of the free trade agreement between Switzerland and the United States concluded successfully. This development represents a significant sign of continuity in bilateral commercial dialogue, even in a context characterized by global tariff tensions.

The State Secretariat for the Economy (SECO) is the federal body responsible for managing international economic relations and supporting Swiss companies in scenarios of commercial change. SECO has over 900 employees distributed across three locations in Switzerland and has 50 people deployed in 32 countries, with the mission to promote and support the Swiss economy abroad.

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Operational details

Impact on the competitiveness of Swiss exports

The additional tariffs adopted on July 24 represent an immediate pressure on the competitiveness of Swiss companies oriented towards exports to the United States. A variable tariff up to 12.5%, applied on top of existing MFN tariffs, creates an increase in costs that enterprises must face. In a context of global competition, this over-taxation carries the risk of losing market share to competitors from other countries with more favorable tariff regimes. Profit margins narrow, or costs are transferred to U.S. customers, with potentially negative effects on demand.

The counterbalance of the free trade agreement

The conclusion of negotiations for the optimization of the free trade agreement, communicated on August 20, 2026, introduces elements of strategic compensation. Although the source does not specify the technical details of the optimized agreement, the positive conclusion of the negotiations signals that the parties have found a balance between the tariff tensions arising from Section 301 and market access opportunities. This development partially balances the negative effect of tariffs, creating a more complex scenario in which risks and opportunities coexist.

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Key points

How to monitor and respond to US tariffs

Swiss companies exporting to the United States must first check whether their products fall within the categories subject to investigation under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. This investigation concerns trade in goods produced using forced labor. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has specific information on which goods are affected by the additional duties of up to 12.5% and can guide companies in assessing the impact.

Next operational steps

Within the next few months, companies should check with SECO whether exported products fall within the list of goods subject to additional duties. Subsequently it is necessary to analyze the financial impact of the new duties on the commercial margins of products destined for the US market. Equally important is to monitor developments of the Enhanced Free Trade Agreement to identify new access opportunities or improved conditions in specific sectors. We also recommend consulting with your trade association and the Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce to coordinate common positions and obtain timely information on future developments.

Resources and support available

SECO remains the primary point of contact for official information on international tariffs, bilateral trade agreements and operational export support. The seco.admin.ch website (IT section: seco.admin.ch/it) offers regular updates on international business developments, regulatory guidance and tools available to exporting companies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which Swiss products are subject to the 12.5% US tariff?: The source does not specify detailed sectors or product categories. The duties adopted on 24 July 2026 apply to goods produced using forced labour according to the investigation of section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974. The variable duty can be up to 12.5% and is in addition to the MFN duties already in force. Companies must check with SECO whether their specific exported products fall into the affected categories.
When did the US tariffs on Switzerland go into effect?: The additional duties were adopted on 24 July 2026 by the US administration on the basis of the investigation of Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. A variable duty of up to 12.5% applies to Swiss imports, calculated in addition to the MFN (Most Favoured Nation) levels already in force at the time of adoption.
What changes with the free trade agreement concluded on August 20, 2026?: Negotiations on the optimisation of the free trade agreement between Switzerland and the United States were concluded on 20 August 2026. The source does not specify the technical details of the optimized agreement. For official information and insights, it is advisable to contact SECO directly or consult the website seco.admin.ch/it.
How can Swiss companies adapt to US duties?: Companies must check with SECO whether their products exported to the USA are affected by Section 301 tariffs. They should then analyse the financial impact on profitability margins and monitor the opportunities offered by the optimised free trade agreement concluded on 20 August. SECO provides official advice and support on these strategic issues.
Who is SECO and what is its role in international trade relations?: The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) is the federal body responsible for international economic policy and support for Swiss exports. It has more than 900 employees at three locations in Switzerland and 50 experts in 32 countries. SECO has four main directorates and coordinates the federal response to international regulatory changes such as the US tariffs of 24 July 2026.