Initial relief has turned into widespread concern across Switzerland as details emerge about concessions made to avoid punishing US tariffs. The small Alpine nation managed to negotiate a reduction from what could have been a devastating 39 percent tariff down to a more manageable 15 percent, matching rates applied by the European Union.
Agricultural Concerns Take Center Stage
While Swiss businesses celebrated the agreement as crucial protection for the country's export-driven economy, agricultural groups and political parties have raised serious concerns. The farming sector fears the fine print of the deal will force Switzerland to relax its strict food import rules, potentially opening the door to American products like hormone-fed cattle and chlorinated chicken.
Switzerland's powerful farming lobby has entered the debate with full force. Uniterre, the farmers' union, has firmly rejected any imports of chlorinated chicken and any concessions that could harm the country's renowned milk and dairy industry. In an unusual alliance, the left-wing Greens have joined the protest, despite typically being at odds with agricultural interests.
Political Pressure and Public Outcry
The controversy has reached the highest levels of Swiss government. Economy Minister Guy Parmelin, who made three trips to Washington to negotiate the deal, found himself forced to clarify statements about the chlorinated chicken issue on national broadcaster RTS. "We have not talked, at this stage—and I have to be very clear on this—of the manner in which these chickens are produced," Parmelin stated, while acknowledging that the chlorinated chicken matter remains open for discussion.
In response to what they called government "silence on key points concerning the agreement with Trump," the Swiss Socialist Party launched a petition demanding explanations. The petition addresses not only food safety concerns but also questions about US weaponry and Tesla's electric Cybertrucks, which are currently banned in Switzerland due to safety concerns.
Broader Implications Beyond Agriculture
The White House factsheet revealed additional concessions that have raised eyebrows. Switzerland has agreed to recognize US vehicle safety standards, potentially opening the door for Tesla's controversial Cybertrucks on Swiss roads. The document also mentions Switzerland's commitment to "refraining from harmful digital services taxes" without providing details.
The economy ministry confirmed that Bern intends to drop a proposed tax on American Big Tech companies. Meanwhile, negotiations continue on various other products including industrial machines, steel, aluminium, coffee, and Switzerland's world-famous cheese and watches.
Economist Stephane Garelli from the International Institute for Management Development acknowledged that "no agreement is ever perfect" but argued that concessions were necessary because "the damage to Swiss industry and employment was far too great."
Swiss consumers received some reassurance from Migros, the country's largest supermarket chain, which stated it "has no plans to stock chlorinated or chemically treated chicken on its shelves" as those products don't meet Swiss consumer expectations.
