U.S. Launches Trade Probes Into Switzerland and 15 Partners

The United States Trade Representative launched investigations into 16 major trading partners, including Switzerland, China, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, India, and the European Union. The probe targets allegations of industrial overcapacity and forced labor that may disadvantage the U.S. economy. This administrative action follows a February ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that prohibited President Donald Trump from imposing tariffs by decree.

Switzerland is currently analyzing how the investigation affects a preliminary trade deal reached in November, which lowered U.S. tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%. U.S. officials cited a trade surplus with Switzerland in the machinery and pharmaceutical sectors as a point of concern. Public hearings regarding the investigations are scheduled for May.

Swissmem, a Swiss industry group, denied that Switzerland pursues policies to create artificial overcapacity. The organization urged the Swiss government to maintain negotiations for a formal tariff agreement to protect the country as a manufacturing location against politically motivated attacks.