The 2025 Thomson Reuters Tariff Survey reveals how the escalating tariff environment — driven by renewed U.S. protectionist measures and global countermeasures — is reshaping international trade. With 76% of global trade professionals expecting U.S. tariffs to remain a long-term feature of global commerce, companies on both sides of the Atlantic are preparing for a new normal.
The report highlights that tariffs now impact nearly one-quarter of U.S. imports and exports, with foreign partners, including Europe, directly affected. For Swiss exporters and investors, this environment demands agility and strategic adaptation. Switzerland’s advanced manufacturing, precision instruments, and pharmaceutical sectors — all heavily integrated with the U.S. market — are particularly exposed to increased costs, supply chain disruptions, and pricing volatility.
Key strategies identified by surveyed companies include supply chain diversification (72%), renegotiating supplier contracts (52%), and greater use of technology to analyze trade routes and simulate “what-if” scenarios. These trends mirror the practices of many Swiss firms already renowned for resilience and operational excellence.
For Switzerland, a nation that thrives on open markets and high-value innovation, the new tariff era underscores the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation with U.S. counterparts. It also opens opportunities for Swiss companies to leverage nearshoring, digital trade tools, and Foreign Trade Zones to remain competitive.
As the report concludes, the global trade environment remains volatile — but preparedness, data-driven decision-making, and trusted transatlantic partnerships can help businesses weather the storm.
The Swiss-American Chamber of Commerce will continue to monitor developments and support members navigating the evolving tariff landscape that is redefining the framework of Swiss-U.S. trade.
Link to the Reuters report: https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2025/04/2025-Tariff-Survey.pdf