Negotiations on a trade agreement between Switzerland and the USA to continue
Berne, 06.03.2026 — On 6 March, the Federal Council discussed how to proceed regarding the negotiations on a trade agreement with the USA. Switzerland will continue negotiations with the USA even after the decision of the US Supreme Court and the subsequent introduction of a new base tariff by the US government. The Federal Council continues to pursue the goal of concluding an agreement that will stabilise bilateral trade relations and improve export opportunities for Swiss companies.
The decisive factors in the Federal Council's deliberations were the decision of the US Supreme Court on 20 February that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorise the president to impose general tariffs, and the US government's decision to introduce new additional tariffs using a different legal basis.
There is considerable uncertainty surrounding US trade policy. The specific details of current and future measures remain unclear. Stabilising and improving trading conditions for Swiss companies in one of their most important export markets remains a priority for the Federal Council. It considers that a legally binding agreement will help to stabilise bilateral trade relations and further improve export opportunities for Swiss companies. It has therefore decided that negotiations with the USA will continue within the framework of the existing negotiating mandate. The parameters of the negotiations will be continuously reviewed and adjusted as necessary in line with developments in US policy.
Further information: Swiss–US trade relations