Overview

• Swissmem warns of a “dangerous downward spiral” for machinery, electrical and metal firms following the new US tariff regime.
• Order intake fell 13.4% in the second quarter from the prior quarter, with weakness already visible before the duties were in force.
• A survey of 1,400 members on August 7 found 31% intend to relocate business to the European Union to avoid higher US duties.
• The United States applies a 39% rate to many Swiss goods versus 15% for competing products from Germany and other EU countries.
• First-half goods exports slipped 0.9% year on year, led by a 16.8% drop in Asia, and the strong franc is squeezing competitiveness as the group urges job-saving measures.