Switzerland Engages US Firm to Secure AI Chip Access

Swiss government hires American law firm Akin Gump to negotiate access to artificial intelligence chips, highlighting technology sovereignty concerns.

Key Takeaways

Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) has hired the US law firm Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.
The US government currently does not classify Switzerland as an 'ally' regarding access to advanced AI computer chips.
SECO Director Helene Budliger Artieda is currently in Washington, D.C.
Akin Gump is required to report this engagement due to US legal regulations.

By The Numbers

$65 million

Annual turnover

31%

Total tariff rate

21%

Additional tariff rate

They Said

"The specialised American law firm is supporting Switzerland on the ‘AI chips’."
— SECO

"It would communicate any meetings 'in due course'."
— Office of Guy Parmelin

Switzerland Deploys Heavy Artillery in Washington

Frozen Out: The 'Non-Ally' Stigma

Battling a Crushing 31% Tariff Wall

High-Stakes Diplomacy on the Potomac

Sources & References

Switzerland hires US lobby firm to secure access to AI chips

SWI swissinfo.ch