Swiss Post Halts U.S. Shipments as Bern Races to Cut 39% Tariff

Swiss Post, Switzerland’s state-owned postal operator, said it will suspend the shipment of goods originating from the United States beginning 26 August, citing the sharp increase in U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports. The company warned customers that, until further notice, parcels already in transit may be delayed or returned. The operational move follows Washington’s decision this month to impose a 39 percent duty on Swiss products—one of the highest rates applied to any U.S. trading partner—after President Donald Trump complained about the bilateral trade deficit. The levy took effect on 7 August. Officials in Bern are scrambling to defuse the dispute. People familiar with the talks say the government is assembling a package aimed at persuading Washington to scale the tariff back toward the 15 percent level applied to the European Union. The draft offer would include increased Swiss procurement of U.S. defense equipment and expanded access for U.S. liquefied natural gas, along with other market-opening measures. Swiss authorities hope to finalise the proposal by early September, ahead of a possible October deadline signalled by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.