Trump Hikes Swiss Tariffs to 39% After "Aggressive" Phone Call With Swiss Leader

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump revealed Tuesday that a single phone call prompted him to dramatically escalate tariffs on Swiss imports from 30% to 39%, citing what he described as an "aggressive" tone from Switzerland's leader during their conversation.

In an interview with Fox Business News, Trump disclosed that he received an "emergency call" from Karin Keller-Sutter, whom he mistakenly referred to as Switzerland's "Prime Minister" rather than her actual title as President of the Swiss Confederation. The call, according to Trump, convinced him not to lower tariffs as requested but to substantially increase them instead.

"I put on a 30% tariff, which is very low," Trump explained. "Then I got an emergency call from I believe the Prime Minister of Switzerland and she was very aggressive. I didn't really like the way she talked to us, so instead of giving her a reduction, I raised it to 39%."

The dramatic tariff hike comes as the Trump administration continues its aggressive trade policy toward traditional allies. Switzerland, a nation of 9 million people with one of the world's most advanced economies, has enjoyed minimal trade barriers with the United States for decades—a situation Trump argues has created an unsustainable $42 billion trade deficit in Bern's favor.

"I had an incident with a very nice country, Switzerland," Trump said. "They were paying no tariffs, sending stuff over here, as nobody could believe. And we had a $42 billion deficit. And we weren't taking anything."

The President defended the initial 30% tariff as "very low" and claimed it had already reduced the trade imbalance by roughly half. However, Keller-Sutter's intervention appeared to have the opposite of its intended effect, transforming what might have been a negotiation into a diplomatic confrontation with significant economic consequences.

Diplomatic Fallout and Trade Implications

The tariff escalation marks a significant departure from traditional U.S.-Swiss economic relations, which have historically been characterized by stable trade agreements and mutual cooperation. Switzerland, though not a member of the European Union, maintains close economic ties with the bloc and could potentially leverage those relationships in response to American pressure.

Trade policy experts note that Switzerland's economy relies heavily on exports of pharmaceuticals, precision instruments, watches, and luxury goods—all sectors now facing substantially higher barriers to the American market. For those interested in understanding the complexities of modern international trade negotiations, leading books on trade policy offer valuable context on how these disputes typically unfold.

The incident also raises questions about diplomatic protocol and the personal nature of Trump's trade decisions. By his own account, the tone of a single phone call—not months of negotiations or formal diplomatic channels—determined the fate of billions of dollars in bilateral trade.

Pattern of Trade Confrontations

The Swiss tariff episode fits a broader pattern of Trump's second-term trade policy, which has targeted both adversaries and allies with equal vigor. From China to Canada, Mexico to Europe, the administration has imposed or threatened tariffs across a wide range of trading relationships.

For readers seeking deeper insight into the Trump administration's approach to foreign policy and diplomatic relations, comprehensive analyses of the Trump presidency provide historical context for understanding these unconventional approaches to international negotiations.

The President's characterization of Keller-Sutter as "aggressive but nice" suggests a negotiating style that may confuse traditional diplomats accustomed to more formal protocols. Swiss officials have not yet issued a formal response to Trump's comments, though sources in Bern indicate the government is reviewing its options.

What's Next for U.S.-Swiss Relations

Economists warn that the 39% tariff level could significantly impact Swiss exports to the United States, potentially triggering retaliatory measures or a formal trade dispute at the World Trade Organization. Switzerland has historically maintained neutral status in international conflicts but has shown willingness to engage in trade disputes when its economic interests are threatened.

American consumers may also feel the effects, as Swiss-made products—including watches, chocolates, and pharmaceuticals—become substantially more expensive. For those tracking the intersection of politics and commerce, essential readings on U.S. foreign economic policy illuminate how such decisions cascade through global markets.

The episode underscores the unpredictable nature of trade policy under the Trump administration, where personal interactions can reshape economic relationships overnight. As the February 11 revelation demonstrates, a single phone call can alter the trajectory of international commerce—raising questions about stability and predictability in global markets.

For now, Swiss exporters and American importers alike must navigate the new 39% tariff reality, while diplomats on both sides assess whether this incident represents a temporary flare-up or a fundamental reset of one of the world's longstanding economic partnerships.