President Trump has announced a trade framework agreement with Switzerland and Liechtenstein that includes the elements listed below. The three countries plan to work “expeditiously” to finalize the agreement and aim to conclude negotiations in early 2026.
Tariffs
- The U.S. will apply the higher of its most-favored-nation tariff rate or 15 percent (comprised of the MFN tariff and a “reciprocal” tariff) on originating goods of Switzerland (down from 39 percent) and Liechtenstein.
- The U.S. will apply only its MFN tariff rate on certain products listed in the “Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners” annex to Executive Order 14346 (specific products to be covered have yet to be negotiated).
- The U.S. intends to promptly ensure that the MFN tariff and the Section 232 tariff do not exceed 15 percent for originating pharmaceutical goods and semiconductors of Switzerland and Liechtenstein subject to Section 232 tariffs.
- The U.S. intends to positively consider the effect of the agreement on national security, including when taking action under Section 232.
- Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to remove a range of tariffs across agriculture and industrial sectors, including various fresh and dried nuts, fish and seafood, certain fruits, chemicals, and spirits such as whiskey and rum, and to establish tariff-rate quotas on U.S. poultry, beef, and bison.
- The agreement may be modified with rules of origin to ensure that the benefits of the agreement (including tariff benefits) accrue predominantly to those involved.
- The three countries intend to cooperate, where relevant, on matters relating to transshipment and circumvention practices.
Other
- The U.S. and Switzerland intend to accord each other’s conformity assessment bodies treatment no less favorable than accorded to their own, including with respect to procedures, criteria, fees, and other conditions relating to accrediting, approving, licensing, or otherwise recognizing conformity assessment bodies.
- Switzerland intends to facilitate the recognition of the U.S.’ Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and the acceptance of medical devices cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
- Switzerland intends to address specific measures that restrict market access for U.S. poultry and poultry products and to streamline sanitary requirements for labelling and certificates, particularly for beef, bison, and dairy products.
- The three countries intend to increase their cooperation on labor-related trade issues and to work to address forced labor, including forced child labor, and the worst forms of child labor in supply chains.
- The U.S. and Switzerland intend to foster the use of technology solutions that allow for full pre-arrival processing, paperless trade, and digitalized customs procedures.
- Switzerland and Liechtenstein intend to continue to refrain from imposing digital services taxes.
- The three countries intend to address non-market policies of third countries and expand cooperation on export controls, sanctions, and investment screening.
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