Swiss Manufacturers Brace for EU Steel Tariff Cuts

As of October 9th, 2025, the European Union is preparing to make significant changes to its steel import policies, which are causing concern for the Swiss manufacturing industry. The EU intends to cut tariff-free steel import quotas by almost half and impose a 50% tariff on any excess shipments above those limits.

This move has prompted a strong reaction from the Swiss industry association Swissmem. They warn that these restrictions on free trade will have a major impact on Swiss manufacturers, who are already facing much steeper tariffs from the United States under the Trump administration's efforts to reshape global trade. Swissmem has called for a negotiated solution, stating that even the current 25% tariffs make it impossible for Swiss companies to compete in the EU market.