US tariffs – initial guidelines, advice and outlook

Key facts on section 232 and reciprocal tariffs

Regula Grau, Export Specialist at Switzerland Global Enterprise, outlines the key US tariff regimes affecting Swiss and Liechtenstein exports. These include Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum, and vehicle components, as well as a reciprocal tariff of 39% applied specifically to goods of Swiss origin. Regula Grau explains how these duties are calculated, when exemptions apply, and how exporters can mitigate their impact. A case study illustrates how seemingly zero-duty products may still trigger substantial additional charges due to packaging materials.

Please be aware not all products which contain steel, aluminium or copper are affected by these tariffs. This has to be checked for each tariff number.”
Regula Grau, Export Specialist, Switzerland Global Enterprise

Geopolitical context and long-term strategy

Arturo Bris, Professor of Finance and Director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center, provides a geopolitical lens on the trade measures, calling them “a war” with significant cost implications for Swiss exporters. He argues that a 50% effective price increase, caused by tariffs and currency appreciation combined, is a structural challenge. While Switzerland has limited tools to respond directly, Bris suggests strategic resilience through quality, market diversification, and leveraging the country’s strong international brand and capital reserves.

We need to focus on quality as a Swiss differentiator… quality makes us unique in the market.”
Arturo Bris, Professor of Finance, IMD World Competitiveness Center

Watch the webinar recording (ITA and ENG) to understand how these tariffs may affect your business and what concrete steps you can take to ensure compliance and competitiveness in the US market.