Switzerland may be close to success in the negotiations with the U.S. government — at least according to the news agency «Bloomberg» citing insider sources. The discussion concerns a tariff rate of 15 percent, the same level that applies to EU imports into the U.S.

According to the source, an agreement could be reached within the next two weeks. However, nothing has yet been finally decided, and the talks could still fail.

The Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (WBF) declined to comment on the report to«Bloomberg».

The punitive tariffs of 39 percent imposed on a number of Swiss goods had particularly affected local industry and watch manufacturers.

The U.S. introduced the high tariffs on August 1, after a conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Federal Councillor Karin Keller-Sutter in July had apparently led to tensions.

Visit by an Economic Delegation

The meeting of Swiss business representatives is said to have brought a change in atmosphere. Among those seated across from the imposing desk — the «Resolute Desk» of U.S. presidents — were Rolex CEO Jean-Frédéric Dufour and Partners Group founder Alfred Gantner.

Trump’s warmer tone toward Switzerland was also evident at a later press conferece. Asked about tariffs, he said the U.S. was «working on a deal to lower their tariffs somewhat.» Whed pressed on reports of a 15 percent rate, he clarified that he had «not mentioned any numbers,» but added that Washington would «work on a solution to help Switzerland». He acknowledged that the U.S. had «hit Switzerland very hard» with its trade measures but stressed that it wanted the country «to continue to be successful». Trump also noted that Switzerland had been «a good ally so far».