On the so-called “Liberation Day” – 2 April 2025 – a troubling signal was sent to Switzerland’s export economy: the Trump administration announced tariffs of up to 31% on certain industrial goods from Switzerland, excluding pharmaceuticals. Although the Swiss government has engaged in negotiations and diplomatic efforts since then, no agreement was reached before the 1 August deadline. On that same day, the tariffs were raised further to 39%, a move interpreted as retaliation for Switzerland’s significant goods trade surplus of $38.5 billion in 2024 with the USA, which is actually driven largely by pharmaceutical products. This post argues that political dialogue alone is not enough and that Switzerland needs a proactive, permanent, and business-driven presence in the U.S. capital to advocate for Swiss business interests.
Business Diplomacy
Trade policy is the responsibility of the Swiss federal government. The Federal Council and SECO represent Switzerland and lead bilateral negotiations with the United States. Their work is essential, particularly now, as Switzerland has until 7 August to seek a constructive solution.
However, when it comes to concrete industrial interests such as tariffs, regulatory standards, or market access, it is often business actors themselves who can engage directly and credibly with their U.S. counterparts. Strengthening Switzerland’s economic voice in the capital of the world’s largest consumer market, would not replace diplomacy, it would complement and reinforce it.
The German Model: One permanent office representing many interests
Germany, for example, maintains a permanent business presence in Washington, D.C. through the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in DC (DGIC), which carries out its activities in cooperation with the German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and liaises with the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) and the German Chambers of Commerce in Germany (IHKs). Their D.C. office employs five people and serves as the official voice of the entire German industry in the USA, monitoring political and regulatory developments, engaging with policymakers, and advocating for the interests of German companies at the highest level.
The Mexican Model: Representation when it matters most
The Mexican leading business umbrella organization (Consejo Coordinador Empresarial – CCE) has established temporary representations in Washington, D.C. when strategically needed. Given Mexico’s geographic proximity and deep economic ties with the United States, the CCE organizes frequent business visits and leverages its strong networks to engage effectively at critical moments.
During the NAFTA renegotiations under President Trump’s first administration, which culminated in the USMCA, the CCE played a crucial behind-the-scenes role. Through its participation in the so-called Cuarto de Junto or room next door — a parallel advisory room to Mexico’s official negotiating team — the CCE coordinated input from key private sector associations. Its access to high-level contacts, including Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a key interlocutor with the Mexican business community, helped maintain open lines of communication when official channels stalled. So far, under Trump’s second presidency, Mexico has not been targeted by new U.S. tariffs, showing the effectiveness of timely business diplomacy.
No Voice, No Leverage
Switzerland lacks a permanent business representation in Washington, D.C. — a gap that becomes increasingly costly as trade tensions rise. Germany, South Korea, Japan, France, the EU and China all maintain permanent or semi-permanent advocacy offices for their business federations in the U.S. capital. A Swiss business office in Washington, possibly led by the Swiss business umbrella association and supported by industry groups, and further stakeholders, could play a vital role in building strategic relationships with key U.S. industry partners, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC), the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Advanced Medical Technology Associations, and other sectorial U.S. industry associations and influential state-level chambers in economies like California, Texas, or New York.
The Swiss machinery sector already shows what’s possible. Through the Swiss Machine Tool Society (SMTS) — an active, member-financed association based in Chicago — the Swiss metalworking and precision machinery sector maintains a presence in the United States. This model has proven highly effective for one sector — now it’s time for others to follow. Key Swiss export industries such as cleantech, medtech, food, finance, and watchmaking should also establish dedicated platforms to coordinate engagement and represent their interests directly in Washington.
In a political context where President Trump may not always listen to his own cabinet but is known to listen to business associations at federal and state levels, such channels become even more crucial. A Swiss business presence would strengthen Switzerland’s position in trade talks, provide policy insights, and complement official channel efforts with credible industry expertise. Some Swiss business associations already have offices in Brussels to engage with the EU, now it’s time to show up in Washington, D.C. This is not a luxury, but a strategic necessity to defend Switzerland’s place in the reshaping of global trade.
