Swiss Farming Groups Seek to Allay Fears Over US Trade Concessions
Bern, Switzerland – Swiss agricultural representatives are moving to reassure the public that recently agreed-upon customs concessions granted to the United States will have a limited impact on the domestic market, despite growing international pressure on the sector. The concessions, announced as part of a broader trade agreement, allow for the import of 3,000 tonnes of US meat – 500 tonnes of beef, 1,000 tonnes of bison, and 1,500 tonnes of poultry – annually.
while acknowledging the agreement, officials emphasize the volumes are considerably lower than Switzerland’s current import levels. in 2024, Switzerland imported over 100,000 tonnes of meat, primarily from Germany and Austria, while concurrently producing 450,000 tonnes domestically.
“These volumes are much lower than the quantities we import annually,” stated Michel Darbellay.
The Swiss Farmers’ Union (USP) stressed the importance of strict regulation surrounding these imports. “If it can be integrated into the tariff quota, there will be no additional pressure on Swiss agriculture,” a representative added.
Concerns regarding perhaps controversial US production practices were also addressed. Darbellay confirmed that “chicken treated with chlorine is prohibited” in Switzerland and that adherence to existing non-tariff measures will be enforced. Beef with hormones will be subject to mandatory declaration.
Darbellay further dismissed suggestions of supermarkets being flooded with American meat, noting that the majority of imported chicken currently originates from brazil or Hungary. He highlighted strong consumer preference for Swiss products, citing the country’s “strictest animal keeping rules in the world” and robust traceability systems.
Farmer Daniel Schwager echoed this sentiment, stating that Switzerland currently produces 60% of the poultry consumed within its borders, with the remaining 40% imported. ”And afterwards, in supermarkets, it is the consumer who makes his choice between the swiss product and that which is imported,” he explained.
However, the agreement comes amidst a broader context of increasing international trade pressures on Swiss agriculture, including potential deals with Mercosur and other free trade agreements. Darbellay expressed concern, stating, “We have to see the overall picture… Swiss agriculture is subject to strong international pressure.”
In light of this, the USP is advocating for agriculture to be exempted from planned savings measures outlined in the Federal Council’s 2027 relief program, arguing that concessions should not be coupled with domestic cuts.
Related Coverage:
* The French-speaking press highlights the high cost of the deal on American customs duties
* Interview with economist Stéphane Garelli on the new customs duties
Sources: Radio and TV topics: Coralie Claude and Guillaume Carel; Adaptation web: Tristan Hertig.