Swiss Machinery Sector Faces Downturn Amid US Tariffs

Industry reports declining orders and sales, with further deterioration expected following recent US tariff increases.

The Swiss machine industry has faced falling sales for nine consecutive quarters.
US tariffs on Swiss machinery were increased to 39% starting August 1, 2025.
Employment in the Swiss machinery sector fell by 3,100 positions.
Order volume dropped by 13% in Q2 2025 compared to the first quarter of the year.

39%

US Tariff Rate

2.2%

Sales Decline (YoY)

4.5%

Order Decline (YoY)

3,100

Jobs Lost

"And with the US tariff hammer of August 1, our industry had to take another heavy blow."
— Martin Hirzel

"horrendous US tariffs"
— Swissmem

The Tariff Hammer Strikes

The Swiss machine industry has faced falling sales for nine consecutive quarters.
US tariffs on Swiss machinery were increased to 39% starting August 1, 2025.
Employment in the Swiss machinery sector fell by 3,100 positions.
Order volume dropped by 13% in Q2 2025 compared to the first quarter of the year.