Swiss Business Delegation Meets Trump: Luxury Gifts from Rolex to Gold Bars

A Swiss newspaper, referring to the warming of relations between Switzerland and the United States following a visit by Bern’s trade officials to Washington, reported that Switzerland may be on the verge of relief from the 39% tariffs imposed by the U.S.

According to Rokna, citing The Reuters, the newspaper Blick reported, without citing a source, that within the next few weeks, a document aimed at resolving the trade deadlock will be signed, and then in January of next year, the final agreement will be presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

The newspaper wrote that if everything goes according to plan, Trump and Guy Parmelin, Switzerland’s incoming president and also its economic minister, will present a proposal on U.S. import tariffs, which will be roughly similar to the 15% tariff previously agreed upon by Washington with the European Union.

Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, in reference to the meeting of Swiss trade officials with U.S. President Donald Trump, stated that negotiations with the relevant U.S. officials are primarily the responsibility of the Federal Council. Parmelin, as Federal Councillor, regularly communicates with U.S. officials, including U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer.

Blick reported that during the meeting, the Swiss delegation presented Trump with a one-hour “Rolex” for the presidential library and a specially engraved gold bar.

The Swiss guests also pledged to work over the next five to seven years to reduce the U.S. trade deficit with Switzerland. Other proposals included transferring gold smelting operations to the U.S. within the next 12 to 24 months and expanding infrastructure projects in the United States.

The newspaper noted that investment in the pharmaceutical sector and increased purchases of airplanes from U.S. manufacturers were also discussed during the negotiations.

Blick added that “Trump showed goodwill toward these proposals. On Friday, Greer also held a discussion with Parmelin and Helen Budliger Artieda from Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), which the Swiss side described as very constructive.”