Switzerland talks about international law after US imposes high tariffs

(CLO) The Swiss government on Wednesday stressed the importance of complying with international law after US President Donald Trump imposed higher tariffs on the exporting country than the European Union (EU).

The US will impose a 31% tariff on imports from Switzerland. Meanwhile, goods from the EU will be taxed at 20% and from the UK at 10%.

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter. Photo: X/keller_sutter

On social network X, Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter said the government had noted the US decision and would quickly determine the next steps.

"The country's long-term economic interests are paramount. Compliance with international law and free trade remain core values," Ms. Keller-Sutter affirmed.

The US is now Switzerland's largest export market, and Switzerland is the sixth largest foreign investor in the US. Although Switzerland has abolished industrial tariffs, its heavily subsidized agricultural sector, which accounts for a small part of the economy but is a major point of contention in US demands for market opening.

Earlier, Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin highlighted Switzerland's contribution to the US economy in order to avoid tariffs from the Trump administration. He noted that Switzerland has eliminated industrial tariffs, allowing nearly 99% of US goods to enter Switzerland duty-free, and that Swiss companies employ about 400,000 workers in the US at high wages.

The US tariffs have drawn widespread criticism from world leaders, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pledging to take countermeasures to protect Canadian workers, while Brazil has condemned the move and is considering appealing to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the tariffs were illogical and damaging to global stability. Leaders from New Zealand, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland also stressed the need for free trade and international cooperation.

Cao Phong (according to CNN, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/thuy-si-noi-ve-luat-phap-quoc-te-sau-khi-bi-my-ap-thue-cao-post341235.html