Confusion and anger in Switzerland

39 %? For Switzerland, this is a great shock, and the worse than the worst scenario-this is the highest definitions in Europe.

Globally, the fourth highest, behind Syria, Laos, and Myanmar, (although President Trump is following his introductory threat by 50 %, Brazil will jump to the top of the list).

It is the only story that dominates news and air waves on Friday. A newspaper described it, Blake, as the biggest defeat in the country since the French victory in the Battle of Margano in 1515.

Just weeks ago, the Switzerland government was exuding confidence.

In May, a Swiss meeting between the United States and China in Geneva allowed to prevent a trade war between the great economic powers, Switzerland President Karen Keeler Street to enjoy a meeting with US Trade Minister Scott Payet.

I came out smiled. She was told that Switzerland is likely to occupy second place in the list after the United Kingdom to conclude a trade deal with Washington. 10 %, glimpsed, the tempting tariff width was much lower than 31 % Donald Trump unveiled Switzerland on “Liberation Day” in April.

Now, these delusions are shattered. A few hours before the first deadline of August, a final phone call between Mrs. Keeler Street and President Trump did not result. Hours after the news that the definitions will not be 31 % originally, but it is 39 % punitive.

Why? Some Swiss politicians already argue that negotiating tactics in Switzerland were not about to scratch – but some say very harsh, others say very much. The truth may be more clear: Trump was keen to make large deals, and Switzerland is not big. It is now not clear that many discussions enable the Swiss trade negotiators to hold their counterparts in the United States.

The Swiss government says the Swiss point is the trade deficit it enjoys with the United States.

Trump sees the trade deficit – when a country sells more to the United States than it bought – as it is by nature a problem for the United States, although this is a view that economists are not widely shared. He believes that definitions can help protect the American manufacturing sector, which has lost decades of time for companies abroad.

The Swiss trade deficit with the United States reached 47.4 billion dollars in 2024, despite the inclusion of service industries, which were comfortably ignored, the deficit decreases to 22 billion dollars. Switzerland (primarily in medicines, gold jewelry, watches and machinery tools) sells more to the United States than you buy.

In an attempt to compensate for this, the Swiss government reduced its definitions on industrial zero to zero, and many Swiss companies (Nestle, Novartis) promised billions of dollars in US factories. Switzerland is already 6 the world’s largest investor in the United States, creates, Swission says 400,000 American jobs.

But the budget of deficit seems impossible. The population of Switzerland is only 9 million, and frankly, many of them do not want to buy US products. The gas cars that fall in the mountains, cheese and American chocolate … well, let’s only say that they are not really a Swiss taste.

“We need reliable relationships with the United States,” Jean Terseller, head of foreign trade in the economy that represents companies, told Swiss Broadcasting.

This may be a sign of frustration that one of the most important export markets in Switzerland has adopted a commercial policy on/stopped, which has stripped Swiss business of certainty that you need.

So what can Switzerland do now? There is a small window of opportunities, until August 7, when the definitions are scheduled. Until then, the Swiss government will try to feed negotiation. Swiss companies warn of job losses if it is not possible to reduce 39 %.

But it is difficult to see the oscillation room.

With investment promises and zero tariffs, Switzerland had already offered everything in its power. The only tactic now is punitive – withdrawing the investment offer, providing mutual tariffs, and nuclear option, eliminates Switzerland for F35 combat aircraft.

Through Switzerland, there is confusion – anger.

Friday is the Swiss National Day, equivalent to July 4. After delivering her traditional speech, Swiss President Karen Keeler Strip was asked about the American definitions.

She told reporters that the talks with the United States went well, but for Donald Trump, the trade deficit was Aqaba. The reasoning was that the American president was the problem.

Instead of the usual national celebrations, many Swiss feels that they are punished for the presence of one of the most competitive and innovative countries in the world.

Others say the country has survived economic shocks before, and they will be able to use this innovation to survive.