US imposes new 10-12.5% tariffs on sixty countries; Switzerland fears unfavorable treatment

Washington is implementing new tariffs ranging from 10% to 12.5% on approximately sixty nations, a move designed to bypass a Supreme Court decision that invalidated earlier taxes. The U.S. administration states these measures are intended to combat forced labor and come into effect shortly after midnight Washington time, replacing 10% tariffs that were set to expire.

The new duties are part of an ongoing trade strategy, with the administration seeking legal justifications for tariffs under various U.S. laws. This follows a February Supreme Court ruling that found previous White House taxes illegal. According to The Wall Street Journal, countries with existing forced labor legislation will face 10% tariffs, while those without will be subject to 12.5%.

Switzerland, a nation that previously faced a 39% tariff in 2025, is awaiting the specific rates with apprehension. While a 12.5% tariff might be manageable, authorities are concerned about potentially higher rates. These fears are reportedly fueled by perceived animosity from Donald Trump and his administration towards Switzerland, stemming from past trade disputes and critical remarks made by Trump at the G7 summit in Évian, where he reportedly made disparaging comments about Swiss watches.