US investigations into trading practices
Bern, 01.04.2026 — At its meeting on 1 April, the Federal Council discussed the Section 301 investigations directed against Switzerland as well as other countries by the United States. The underlying allegations relate to alleged excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors, as well as measures which the US may consider insufficient to restrict the importation of goods produced with forced labour. The Federal Council rejects these allegations. Switzerland intends to present its views as part of the relevant US proceedings.
On 11 and 12 March, the US launched two Section 301 investigations against Switzerland under its Trade Act (of 1974). This law targets ‘unfair or discriminatory trade practices’ and grants the US President potentially far-reaching powers to impose punitive tariffs or take other restrictive trade measures. The first of the two Section 301 investigations focuses on alleged excess capacity in industrial production and its causes; the second on the failure to impose and effectively enforce measures to prevent the importation of goods produced with forced labour. Such investigations have also been launched against a number of other countries.
The Federal Council rejects these allegations and has decided to take the necessary steps to present Switzerland’s position in the context of these investigations. Meanwhile, bilateral negotiations on a trade agreement continue. Progress has been made during these discussions in line with the aim set out in the Joint Statement of 14 November 2025 for the first quarter of 2026.