Swiss minister hails constructive meetings with top U.S. officials

Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin said on Saturday he had had constructive meetings with top U.S. officials in Washington as his government seeks to lower 39% trade tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on Switzerland a month ago.

Parmelin said he had held talks with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Trade Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer after he travelled to the United States on Thursday night.

"Switzerland sees real opportunity ahead for both countries and is committed to deepening our economic partnership," Parmelin said in a post on X.

He did not give further details.

Switzerland has prepared a new package of economic measures aimed at persuading the United States to bring down its tariffs, and wants to agree on improved conditions quickly.