Parmelin relies on unilateral declaration in customs dispute with Washington

Parmelin made clear in Washington that Switzerland does not engage in unfair trade practices. He stressed: «Ein Deal ist ein Deal». With regard to the agreement, he also stated: «Eine Absichtserklärung ist weniger verbindlich als ein Rahmenabkommen». The Swiss delegation also doubts that Greer is in a position to anticipate the unpredictable decisions of US President Donald Trump.

Instead of a formal breakthrough, Parmelin presented only a unilateral declaration by the Federal Council. This reaffirms the intention to adhere to the joint declaration of November and to implement further elements thereof. These include, among others, reducing technical barriers to trade in the areas of automobiles, medical devices, and public procurement. Vehicles that meet US safety standards are to be approved more easily for use on Swiss roads.

Switzerland is relying on Washington's goodwill. Parmelin said: «Wir sind überzeugt, dass unsere unilateralen Erklärungen beim amerikanischen Handelsbeauftragten berücksichtigt werden bei der Festlegung der definitiven Zölle im Rahmen der laufenden Untersuchungen». He added: «Und bisher respektieren die USA dies». At the same time, he acknowledged that there is no guarantee that the tariff rate will remain below 15 percent.

Cautiously positive signal from Washington

Following the meeting, Greer's office published a Twitter message on June 29, 2026. It read: The United States welcomes Switzerland's progress in implementing elements of our historic Framework Agreement. The signal from Washington was thus cautiously positive, but remained vague.

The time pressure is high: the current provisional tariff arrangement expires on July 23, after the US Supreme Court declared the original Trump tariffs invalid. The US government is already threatening new tariffs, citing alleged market distortions caused by industrial overcapacity. Under this rationale, Swiss exports could face a 12.5 percent levy. A separate justification also accuses Switzerland of inadequately combating forced labor.

Time pressure ahead of July 23

Parmelin pointed to the importance of the USA for the Swiss export economy: «Das ist wichtig, denn sie sind die zweiten Kunden nach der EU». He described Switzerland as a «Space Nation», in which many SMEs are «on top». The trade balance with the USA has, however, swung into deficit compared with the previous year. Swiss companies have already invested 27 billion dollars in the United States.

In the background is the question of Parliament's political co-determination. The Federal Council intends to implement the concessions by ordinance, which would leave Parliament with only consultative rights and no real co-determination. Seco chief Budliger Artieda explained that other US trading partners such as the EU and the United Kingdom are likely refraining from formal agreements for similar reasons.

The principle of hope and the lack of certainties

Legally binding agreements are not realistic in the next three weeks, according to Parmelin and Budliger Artieda. Parmelin said: «Es gibt laufend neue Untersuchungen seitens der USA, um Auswege zu finden, auch neue Zölle wieder einführen zu können». With regard to the ongoing US investigations, he added: «Was inzwischen passiert ist, sind Justizentscheidungen. Die USA müssen andere juristische Grundlagen finden. Wir haben sie daran erinnert, dass sie dies machen können, aber was wir verhandelt haben, muss respektiert werden.»

In view of the uncertainties, Parmelin offered a remarkable assessment: «Die einzige Sache, die in der heutigen Welt sicher ist, ist dass es keine Sicherheiten mehr gibt». At the same time, he reaffirmed the goal: «Wir haben besprochen, dass es für beide Parteien, auch für die USA, eine Rechtssicherheit geben und die Absichtserklärung korrekt angewendet werden muss. Wir wollen, dass das auch nach dem 24. Juli so der Fall bleibt.»

After the meeting, Parmelin announced no breakthrough. He is traveling on with a business delegation and scientific representatives to Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Houston. There it may become apparent whether the unilateral Swiss declaration actually takes hold. The conversation with Trump himself had already been accompanied by Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos with criticism of the former Federal President Karin Keller-Sutter and hostile remarks toward Switzerland.