Switzerland confirmed on Friday it will maintain negotiations with U.S. officials even as it disputes assertions that its measures are inadequate to prevent imports of goods produced with forced labor. The government said it plans to deliver a written reply that outlines and defends its existing supply-chain policy.
In its public statement, Bern described its approach as supply chain-focused and effective, and said it will use the forthcoming written submission to make that case formally. The move comes amid U.S. consideration of higher tariffs on Swiss products - a proposed increase to 12.5% that would supplant an additional 10% duty currently in force until July 24.
The Swiss government framed its strategy as comprehensive. It said the policy mixes government regulation with mandatory risk assessments undertaken by the private sector, and it includes elements of international cooperation. The statement emphasized that this combined approach does not harm U.S. industry, according to Swiss officials.
Separately, the Swiss announcement noted that U.S. authorities may apply further tariffs tied to an ongoing investigation into overcapacity issues. The government indicated that additional duties could follow from Section 301 inquiries focused on excess capacity, without providing new details beyond acknowledging the possibility.
Swiss officials reiterated their intent to press on with bilateral trade talks while formally rebutting the U.S. position on forced-labor concerns. The written response is intended to set out why Switzerland believes its rules and processes provide an effective framework for addressing the issue.
Context limitations - The government statement described the Swiss approach and noted potential U.S. tariff actions, but provided no new deadlines or procedural specifics beyond the existing 10% tariff remaining in place until July 24 and the U.S. consideration of a 12.5% rate.