Switzerland Turns to Gianni Infantino to Help Navigate US Trade Tariffs

Strategic Insights -

As Switzerland reels from the implementation of the highest US tariff rate in Europe, politicians and business leaders are calling on Fifa president Gianni Infantino to help secure vital access to US President Donald Trump. The calls come after a last-ditch attempt by Switzerland's president and economy minister to avert the tariffs failed, leaving the country with a 39 per cent tariff rate. Infantino, a native of Brig near the Italian border, has a long-standing rapport with Trump, having attended his inauguration in January and been referred to as "a friend of mine", a "winner", and an "excellent guy".

Key Takeaways:

  • A public outcry in Switzerland over fruitless tariff negotiations has prompted calls for creative negotiating strategies, including turning to Infantino.
  • National councillor Roland Rino Buchel, a member of the SVP, argues that Infantino could act as an informal back channel to the US president, given their long-standing relationship.
  • Buchel notes that Infantino's recent appearances alongside Trump, including at the Fifa Club World Cup final in New Jersey last month, demonstrate their established rapport.
  • The Swiss government's failed attempt to avert the tariffs has led to calls for Borer to be enlisted to help secure a better deal.
  • Trump has praised Infantino's leadership and the US is set to co-host the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
  • Infantino's Fifa presidency has brought him close to Trump, with the two men having a long-standing relationship.

Statistics:

  • 39%: the US tariff rate imposed on Switzerland, the highest in Europe.
  • 10%: the provisional deal on tariffs that Bern had believed was reached before Trump zeroed in on the US's $39bn trade deficit with Switzerland.
  • $39bn: the US trade deficit with Switzerland.
  • 2026: the year the US will co-host the Fifa World Cup with partners.
  • 2016-2018: the period during which Parmelin was minister of sport in Switzerland.
  • 2021: the year Parmelin gave an address to the Fifa Congress.
  • July 7, 2022: the date Infantino visited Trump Tower to open a new Fifa office.

Sources:

  • "Switzerland turns to Gianni Infantino to help navigate US trade tariffs" by Josh Noble for Financial Times.
  • "Trump zeroes in on US trade deficit with Switzerland as Brussels asks what's going on" by Josh Noble for Financial Times.
  • " Lex: Tariff talks hit by Trump's tariffs insistence on cheese Swiss say" by FINANCIAL TIMES LEX.
  • "Thomas Borer, a former Swiss diplomat" (no specific source provided).