US may cut tariffs on Swiss goods, negotiations in final stages

Negotiations between Switzerland and the U.S. on reducing import tariffs are nearing an agreement, Bloomberg reported, citing unnamed sources.

According to the agency, a deal could be concluded within the next two weeks, but nothing is definite yet.

A spokesman for the Swiss economy ministry confirmed that negotiations are still ongoing, but did not comment on details.

In August, the U.S. imposed 39 percent tariffs on some Swiss goods, threatening exports to one of its biggest markets - particularly in the watch, machinery and chocolate sectors.

A potential agreement could reduce those tariffs to 15 percent, which would significantly improve the position of Swiss firms in the US market.

(reuters, mja)