Swiss President Challenges U.S. Tariffs, Rejects Trump’s Trade-Deficit Logic

The Swiss President said Switzerland does not share U.S. President Donald Trump’s view that a bilateral trade deficit represents a direct loss for the United States. Speaking after recent discussions with U.S. officials, the Swiss leader noted that American negotiators appear broadly supportive of a prospective trade arrangement but remain uncertain about whether Trump will ultimately endorse it. The President drew attention to what she described as a striking parallel between Switzerland’s roughly $38.5 billion goods-trade gap with the United States and Washington’s newly imposed 39 percent tariff rate on Swiss products, suggesting the figures are unlikely to be coincidental. While acknowledging that Trump retains the final word on any agreement, the Swiss head of state said Bern would continue to engage with Washington to ease trade tensions. Separately, Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin called the tariff increase “a heavy blow,” adding that Switzerland will have to adjust to the U.S. negotiating style.