US tariffs: Should Switzerland move closer to the EU?

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US tariffs: Should Switzerland move closer to the EU?

8 October, 2025

With tariffs of 39 percent, the US has become an unpredictable partner. What strategy is recommended for Switzerland? Does closer alignment with the EU promise greater stability? And how can the country secure its model of success when the “rules-based world order” is faltering?

Donald Trump remains an unpredictable factor. Although Switzerland was close to reaching a constructive tariff agreement with his negotiators, Swiss products are now subject to 39 percent tariffs. At the same time, his attacks on democratic institutions and multilateral structures are causing increasing uncertainty.

How vulnerable is Switzerland to this power politics? Should it make new offers or set clear boundaries? Is closer ties with the EU the right answer now—or should Switzerland emphasize its independence at this very moment?

These questions were discussed on the SRF program “SonntagsZeitung Standpunkte” hosted by Reto Brennwald:

  • Arthur Rutishauser, editor-in-chief of SonntagsZeitung
  • Dr. Thomas Borer, management consultant and former diplomat
  • Elisabeth Schneider-Schneiter, National Councilor (Die Mitte/BL), President of the Basel Chamber of Commerce
  • Peter Gehler, entrepreneur, former member of the economiesuisse Executive Committee
  • The entire program is available here on SRF Play (German)

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