Confusion and anger in Switzerland

39%? For Switzerland, it is a huge shock, and worse than the worst situation-these are the most tariffs in Europe.

Globally, the fourth largest, only behind Syria, Laos and Myanmar, (although President Trump follows his 50% tariffs through danger then the Brazilian list will jump to the top of the list).

It is a story to dominate news and airways on Friday. A newspaper, Blic, described it as the country’s biggest defeat since the French victory in the Battle of Marigano in 1515.

A few weeks ago, the Switzerland government was reducing faith.

In May, a Swiss between the US and China in Geneva provided a meeting facility, which was aimed at stopping a trade war between two economic superpowers, allowing Switzerland President Karin Keller-Sawar to grab a meeting with American Trade Secretary Scott Besant.

She came out smiling. He was told, he said that he was likely to finish second in the list after the United Kingdom to attack the trade deal with Switzerland Washington. 10%, he indicated, breathtaking tariff proposed, 31% Donald Trump unveiled for Switzerland in April on his ‘Liberation Day’.

Now, they are confused. A few hours before the first deadline of August, nothing was found a last telephone call between Ms. Keller-Sawar and President Trump. Hours later it was reported that tariffs would not basically be 31% threatening, but a punitive 39%.

Why? Some Swiss politicians are already arguing that Switzerland’s conversation strategy was not to scratch – but some people say very difficult, others say too much. The reality may be more straight: Trump was eager to do large deals, and Switzerland is not just so big. It is also not clear that there are now many discussions that Swiss trade negotiaters were able to do with their American counterparts.

Sticking point, Swiss government now says, it is a trade deficit with the US.

Trump looks at the trade deficit – when a country buys America, it is a naturally a problem for the US, although it is a scene that is not widely shared by economists. They believe that tariffs can help protect the American manufacturing sector, which have lost jobs for companies abroad for decades.

The Swiss trade deficit with the US in 2024 was $ 47.4 billion, although if the service industry is included, which Trump ignored easily, the deficit shrinks to $ 22 billion. Switzerland sells more than purchasing America (mainly in pharmaceuticals, gold jewelery, watches and machine tools).

To try to compensate for this, the Swiss government reduced its own tariffs at US Industrial Good to Zero, and many Swiss companies (Nestle, Novartis) promised to invest multinational dollars in US plants. Switzerland is already the 6th largest investor in the world in the US, calling Swiss, 400,000 American jobs.

But it is impossible to balance the deficit. Switzerland has a population of just 9 million, and, clearly, many of them do not want to buy American products. Gas Gujling Cars Alpine Roads, us are too big for cheese and chocolate … Okay, let’s just say they are not really to taste Swiss.

Jan Atteslander, major foreign trade in economies who represent businesses, told Swiss broadcasting: “We need reliable relations with the United States.”

It may indicate frustration that one of the most important export markets in Switzerland has adopted the business policy on/off trade policy, which separates the Swiss business of certainty.

So what can Switzerland do now? There is a small window of opportunity, by 7 August, when tariffs are about to apply. Till then, the Swiss government will try to interact with fever. If 39% cannot be reduced, Swiss businesses are warning thousands of job losses.

But it is difficult to see what the Vigley Room is.

With investment promises and zero tariffs, Switzerland had already introduced everything he could do. Now the only strategy will be punitive – will withdraw investment offer, introduce mutual tariffs, and, nuclear options, cancel Switzerland’s order for US F35 fighter aircraft.

Across Switzerland, there is confusion – and anger.

Friday is Swiss National Day, equivalent to July 4. After giving his traditional speech, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sater was asked about the American tariff.

He said that reporters had a good conversation with the US, but for Donald Trump, the trade deficit was a barrier. The estimate was that the US President was a problem.

Instead of general patriotic ceremonies, many Swiss feel that they are being punished for one of the most competitive and innovative countries in the world.

Others say that the country has survived the first economic shock, and it will be able to use the innovation that keeps this one alive.