Switzerland is actively making its case to avoid U.S. tariffs.
How? By underscoring its contributions to the U.S. economy, Swiss Economic Affairs Minister Guy Parmelin said, according to Reuters.
A Swiss delegation visited Washington last week after Switzerland was added to a list of countries under scrutiny for potential unfair trade practices by the U.S. government.
While it is unclear whether Switzerland will be exempt from the reciprocal U.S. tariffs, expected to take effect on April 2, Swiss officials have communicated their position.
"We have signaled that we are ready to discuss and show that we produce benefits for the US," Parmelin told broadcaster SRF. "Other countries probably don't do this."
Switzerland has been a strong trade partner for the U.S., with Swiss companies being the sixth-largest foreign investors in the country. Parmelin pointed out that Swiss businesses employ around 400,000 people in the U.S. at high wages.
"We are a strong investor … and we want to invest more," Parmelin said.
"Whether that is enough to avoid tariffs, we will see."
One point of contention, however, is President Donald Trump's objections to other countries' value-added taxes. Switzerland is unwilling to eliminate this tax, a position that could complicate discussions.
For now, Switzerland is waiting to see what is announced on April 2, with Parmelin indicating that "high-level political discussions will come after that."
