Friday, August 8, 2025
HomeTrendsSwissUS tariffs are a problem for Swiss watch industry - news

US tariffs are a problem for Swiss watch industry – news

Consequently,

Us tariffs problem swiss watch:

For Chronoswiss in Lucerne, the US market becomes a challenge-tariffs and dollars drive up prices.

The watch industry is particularly badly affected by the high US tariffs. Consequently, The reason: she cannot move her production abroad or even to the USA. However, With the high US tariffs that have been in effect since Thursday, it is difficult for them to stay competitive.

Close -up clockwork with tools
Legend: Hand mounting at a clock: At “Swiss Made” clocks, the production cannot simply be relocated abroad. Similarly, Chronoswiss

This is a problem, especially for small watch manufacturers-without major sales infrastructure. For example for the Chronoswiss watch manufacturer in Lucerne. Therefore, In their studio in the middle of the city center of Lucerne. In addition, near the Löwendenkmal, the 20 employees build around 1500 watches a year. Consequently, Through large glass windows you can watch the watchmakers in their filigree work.

Glass cylinder with tables and tools us tariffs problem swiss watch
Legend: Through glass walls you can watch the watchmakers at work. us tariffs problem swiss watch Furthermore, Chronoswiss

Every fifth o’clock that arises in the finest manual is intended for the US market. Therefore, The US tariff of 39 percent to Swiss exports is a heavy blow for the small manufactory.

The question came up in the team, what happens to us?

When the news in the team made the round. Furthermore, the mood was depressed, says Chronoswiss owner and boss Oliver Ebstein: «The question arose, what happens to us? Therefore, I have made a promise that nothing changes at the moment, but we have to stay tuned. »

Competitiveness is at stake – Us tariffs problem swiss watch

Stay on it means to find solutions. They don’t have many reserves, says Oliver Ebstein. “As a small factory. we do not have these ‘deep pockets’, which enable difficult us tariffs problem swiss watch situations that could be endured for a few years.”

Three people behind a work table us tariffs problem swiss watch
Legend: Chronoswiss owner Oliver Ebstein (left) wants to continue producing as before. Chronoswiss

The last few days – before the new tariffs. for Swiss products came into force in the USA – they would have made a large packaging campaign: «We sent everything that was there. So we could buy a little time and security. »

Important US business

Box open Box zuklappen

us tariffs problem swiss watch

The US business is significant for the watch industry. The industry association FH calculates that an average of 20 percent of all Swiss watches are sold in the United States. The watch sales in Asia had subsided somewhat in the past few months and years. Additionally, The reason should be the sluggish economy. But business is also important for the industry, for example in the EU.

If you take into account the weak dollar course. the clocks of Chronoswiss for US customers and customers should cost up to 50 percent more in the future. So they are not competitive, says Oliver Ebstein. He is now in close contact with his partners in the USA. Because they would have to agree who takes over how much of the tariffs. How much of the additional costs will be transferred to customers. us tariffs problem swiss watch how much your partners can take over in the USA and how much Chronoswiss has to wear. So the margin should sink sensitively.

The situation is tragic.

To open up new markets for his watches is not a realistic scenario, the Chronoswiss boss continues. Maybe in the medium term. But: They have invested heavily in the US market in recent years. That should actually bear fruit.

Hope for a solution

Oliver Ebstein tries to stay optimistic, for himself and his employees. But he also admits: «The situation is tragic. We try to find solutions. ” Oliver Ebstein does not know whether this succeeds: “Ask me again in three or four months.”

The head of the Little Lucerne watch manufacturer hopes that the Federal Council. the business associations will soon be able to avert the us tariffs problem swiss watch high tariffs. It is uncertain whether calm returns. The only constant in the US business seems to be uncertainty.

Further reading: Prohibited strollers and armchairs: controversy in an ophthalmologistLuxury buildings in the Alps: Despite the shortage of housing, super rich people are being builtWhy does the Franconia remain stable despite Trump’s customs shock?Iurie Iovu strike makes sure of Dundee United’s progression in Conference LeagueHigh US tariffs in force: This is how Swiss Politics – News reacts.

monroe.tate
monroe.tate
Monroe breaks down esports labor unions, interviewing pro-gamers between tournament scrims.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisment -

Most Popular

Recent Comments