US protectionism via security threatens EU and Switzerland

The United States is increasingly using security as a pretext for protectionist trade policies, a move that is undermining the global multilateral trading system. This approach significantly impacts countries like Switzerland, which have long benefited from and relied upon open, multilateral trade agreements.

For decades, industrialized nations have steadily reduced tariffs under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and later the World Trade Organization (WTO). This framework ensured that any trade concession granted to one member was extended to all, creating a level playing field and fostering remarkable global trade growth. Switzerland, in particular, thrived in this environment, building its economy on multilateralism and free trade agreements.

However, the U.S. is now prioritizing bilateral security concerns over established multilateral rules. This shift means that trade benefits are no longer universally applied, creating uncertainty and disadvantage for countries that do not align with U.S. security interests. Switzerland, with its economy deeply integrated into global markets, faces the risk of losing preferential access to crucial markets, including the European Union.

The article suggests that Switzerland must now navigate this new landscape, hoping to maintain its privileged access to the European market. The author, Philippe Nell, a former Swiss ambassador, argues that the traditional multilateral approach is being superseded by a protectionist agenda driven by U.S. security objectives. This necessitates a strategic re-evaluation for Switzerland to adapt to these evolving global trade dynamics.