Swiss president calls U.S. tariff talks 'disappointing' and hopes U.S.-China meeting goes better
Briefly

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed disappointment following talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that did not lessen the 31% tariffs on Swiss goods. Despite this, she remains optimistic about upcoming U.S.-China negotiations in Geneva. The Swiss government's discussions were described as "convivial and constructive," laying the foundation for further talks on customs duties. Keller-Sutter highlighted that Switzerland risks being at a disadvantage compared to EU countries facing lower tariffs. As the situation evolves, she humorously referenced the influence of divine intervention in hopes for positive outcomes in negotiations.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter described the talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as "disappointing," but expressed hope for a solution to the upcoming U.S.-China tariff discussions.
Keller-Sutter noted that the 31% tariffs on Swiss goods could place Switzerland at a disadvantage compared to EU neighbors facing lower tariffs.
The Swiss government deemed the talks with Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer as "convivial and constructive," setting groundwork for future discussions on customs duties.
Keller-Sutter quipped about hope for the outcome of U.S.-China relations by referencing the recent election of the first U.S.-born pontiff, saying, "I hope that [the Holy Spirit] will come to Geneva over the weekend."
Read at Fast Company
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