Tariffs, Trade Routes, and Swiss Agility: Swiss Firms Tackling a 39 % US Duty
Based on The Money Magazine article published in September 2025
The sudden imposition of a 39 % customs duty on selected Swiss exports to the US has hit machinery, precision instruments, pharmaceuticals, and speciality goods hard. But Swiss industry knows how to pivot: much like the 2011 franc shock, this tariff is prompting rapid strategic response.
Three key options emerge: shift production to the EU (e.g. Poland, 15 % tariff) with its skilled workforce and incentives; base operations in the UK (10 % tariff) with streamlined company setup and pro-business ecosystem; or go bold with local production in the US (0 % tariff)—duty-free access and substantial federal and state incentives, particularly under the Inflation Reduction Act.
The takeaway: The 39 % tariff is both a shock and a springboard. Thanks to their adaptability, international structuring and agile mindset, Swiss firms can preserve margin, stay close to clients—and even turn today’s barriers into tomorrow’s competitive edge.
Read the full article in The Money Magazine: Download PDF
