U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to hit Switzerland with steeper tariffs than most of Europe was a major shock to the export-oriented country, pushing it towards the European Union as it scrambled to contain the fallout.

The US has imposed tariffs on Switzerland at 31%, much higher than on other European countries. European Union exports are subject to a 20% levy, while Great Britain’s is subject to only 10%. The US calculations underlying these tariffs are strongly contested by Switzerland and other countries.

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to hit Switzerland with steeper tariffs than most of Europe was a major shock to the export-oriented country, pushing it towards the European Union as it scrambled to contain the fallout.