Media in the UK: Switzerland proposes to increase imports of US weapons and energy to exchange for lower tariffs
Russian State News Agency, Moscow - According to the Financial Times, citing two sources close to the negotiations, Switzerland has proposed to the United States to increase the import volume of US weapons and energy, including enriched uranium and liquefied natural gas, in exchange for reducing trade tariffs.
On August 1, the United States imposed a 39% import tariff on Swiss goods, the highest tariff rate among European countries and one of the highest in the world. Among major economies, only Brazil and India (50%) have higher rates than Switzerland.
The report stated: "Switzerland proposed to purchase more American weapons and energy, and to increase investment in the US, in an attempt to once again persuade the Trump administration to reduce the import tariffs on Swiss goods."
According to the report, citing the words of Rahul Saggar, CEO of the US-Swiss Chamber of Commerce, negotiations between Washington and Bern are still ongoing, with significant progress made, but a deal is unlikely to be reached in the near future. A U.S. official who did not want to reveal his name also confirmed to the Financial Times that both sides are still discussing possible trade agreements.
Serine Amoruz, a member of the Swiss People's Party, said on August 4 that the U.S. imposition of a 39% tariff on Swiss products could trigger a crisis similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. Urs Furrer, president of the Swiss Association of Art and Craft, said that the U.S. imposing a 39% tariff on Swiss goods would have serious consequences and threaten tens of thousands of jobs in Switzerland.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844008687198272/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.