US Duties: Switzerland Confirms Intent (cross-border guide)

Context

The Bern Federal Council published a statement on the implementation of certain additional elements of the Switzerland-US Joint Declaration of 14 November 2025.

The Switzerland-US Joint Declaration of 14 November 2025 is an agreement between Switzerland and the United States to resolve issues relating to duties applied on Swiss exports to the United States. The agreement aims to reduce trade tensions between the two nations and create a more favorable environment for trade.

Switzerland confirmed its commitment to comply with the obligations arising from the joint declaration and to continue to work with the United States to implement the necessary measures to implement the further elements of the agreement. Switzerland also stated that further measures will need to be implemented to implement the additional elements of the agreement.

Switzerland has already started work on implementing the additional elements of the agreement, including changing tax and trade regulations. For example, Switzerland published a federal decree of 10 March 2023 amending the law on foreign trade and introducing new provisions for the management of duties and other trade measures.

Switzerland has also started to work on training public officials and business operators to ensure they are adequately informed about new regulations and procedures to be followed. For example, the

Operational details

The goal of the Federal Council remains to conclude a trade agreement with the United States of America, despite Brexit and the ever-changing global geopolitical situation. In this context, Switzerland is determined to maintain its market positions and protect its commercial interests.

In this regard, the Federal Council announced its intention to conclude a trade agreement with the United States by the end of 2024. This agreement should aim to reduce trade barriers and promote the exchange of goods and services between the two countries.

Switzerland has already started negotiations with the United States for the elimination of customs tariffs and the creation of a more favourable regulatory framework. According to official sources, Switzerland has already submitted a negotiating offer that provides for the elimination of customs tariffs on a number of products, including beef, dairy and wine.

The Confederation also announced its intention to increase imports of American products, especially agricultural and meat products. This increase should favour the development of trade between the two countries and reduce Switzerland's dependence on European markets.

Switzerland has already supported the United States in the past in various sectors, such as hydropower production and job creation in the transport sector. The Confederation has also invested in

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

In return, it expects the United States to respect the points set out in the Switzerland-US joint statement. Switzerland, in fact, has confirmed its intentions to maintain a strong economy and protect its national interests. This is particularly important for the export sector, which represents a significant part of the Swiss economy.

Switzerland has a long history of cooperation with the United States, and the joint statement is an important step forward in our relationship. The declaration calls for Switzerland and the United States to work together to resolve trade and investment issues, and to commit to respecting the rights and laws of both countries.

One of the key aspects of the declaration is Switzerland's commitment to respecting the intellectual property rights of the United States. This is particularly important for companies operating in the IT sector, such as the Bern-based software company, which has already seen an increase in exports to the US following the adoption of the new regulation.

In addition, the statement calls for Switzerland and the United States to work together to promote trade and investment exchanges. This is particularly important for the cantons of the North-East, such as Graubünden and Ticino, which have a strong economy based on manufacturing and trade.

Switzerland also has

Compare the CHF/EUR exchange rate in real time across providers: save up to 1.5% on monthly transfer fees.

Source: seco.admin.ch