US Trade Agreement Remains Central After Supreme Court Ruling

scienceindustries welcomes the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, which challenges the legality of tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The ruling reinforces the principles of the rule of law in international trade and sends an important signal for predictable regulatory frameworks.

After the EU, the United States remains the second most important export destination for the Swiss chemical, pharmaceutical, and life sciences industries. In 2025, 24.1 percent of the sector’s exports were destined for the US market. Free and as unhindered as possible market access is of central importance for our internationally highly networked industry. scienceindustries therefore consistently advocates for globally open market access and reliable international trade rules.

“The decision of the Supreme Court of the United States is an important signal for the rule of law and reliability in international trade. For our globally connected industry, stable and predictable conditions are crucial. It is therefore all the more important to advance negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement with the United States swiftly,” says Stephan Mumenthaler, Director of scienceindustries.

Despite the positive signal from Washington, the situation remains challenging. The ruling does not change the fact that the US President can still rely on other legal bases to impose tariffs – including Section 301, Section 122, Section 338, or Section 232 of US trade law. Trade policy uncertainty therefore persists.

Against this backdrop, the conclusion of ongoing negotiations between Switzerland and the United States on a bilateral trade agreement is of great importance. scienceindustries explicitly welcomes these talks. Such an agreement would provide greater legal and planning certainty and sustainably strengthen economic relations.

At the same time, competitive framework conditions in Switzerland are essential. A forward-looking location policy is central to ensuring that the export-oriented industry can maintain and further expand its international leading position.

scienceindustries will continue to advocate with determination for open markets, stable trade relations, and strong framework conditions in Switzerland.

Further information:

Stephan Mumenthaler, Director
Phone +41 79 593 91 63, stephan.mumenthaler@scienceindustries.ch, 

Erik Jandrasits, Head of Foreign Trade
Phone +41 79 473 66 33, erik.jandrasits@scienceindustries.ch