The United States agrees to lower Swiss tariffs to 15%
What the new trade agreement changes.
Following a meeting with Swiss business men earlier this month, the United States Government has agreed to lower Swiss tariffs to 15%.
This trade agreement comes on the heels of major struggle in the Swiss watch industry.
What the 39% tariff did to the Swiss watch market
Where the industry stood before the cut.
Many luxury Swiss companies have already felt the effects of the 39% tariff imposed on August 7th, 2025.
Brands like Patek Philippe raised prices to accommodate costs, and many scrambled to ship out stock before the tariff hit.
The 39% tariff meant that U.S. retail stock of Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet were more than likely going to become extremely limited and wildly overpriced. In this time, exports of Swiss watches to the US were reduced around 50%.
The secondary watch market
The secondary watch market also saw buyers rushing to buy watches before prices would inevitably go up. We at WatchGuys even saw an immediate increase in business immediately following announcement of the tariffs.
What the tariff cut means for watch collectors
Why the reduced rate matters on both sides of the market.
Now, this hit to the market can be circumvented.
The tariff cut is a major reprieve for both the Swiss watch industry and American watch collectors. As Switzerland's number one importer of luxury watches, Swiss companies were looking at doing business elsewhere. And collectors were potentially faced with being priced out of the market.
As part of the trade deal, Swiss companies have also pledged to invest $200 billion in the US.
