On the night of August 1, 2025, it was announced that the US will apply import duties of 15 percent on goods from Liechtenstein in future. The new tariffs are therefore significantly lower than the previously threatened 37 percent. "It is a development in the right direction that the additional tariffs are significantly lower than communicated in April. I am pleased about this, although challenges remain," explains Head of Government Brigitte Haas.

Due to the common economic area, Liechtenstein has been in favor of a joint solution with Switzerland from the outset and participated in the negotiations for a trilateral agreement between the USA, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. An agreement on such an arrangement could not be reached with the US. "The different tariffs now communicated for Liechtenstein and Switzerland mean that we have a new starting position. We will analyze the effects in detail with the involvement of the business community and continue to coordinate closely with Switzerland," said Deputy Prime Minister Sabine Monauni.

Following the announcement of the tariffs in April, the government set up a task force to deal with the US tariffs. This task force met immediately on Friday morning, August 1, 2025, to discuss the changed situation. It is led by the Office of Foreign Affairs and includes representatives from the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and Finance, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the embassy in Washington, as well as official agencies and other diplomatic representations. The Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Liechtenstein Chamber of Commerce are also involved in the work of the task force.

Economic consequences still unclear

"The US tariffs will lead to challenges for export-oriented companies," said Head of Government Brigitte Haas. Companies with a high US presence or companies that serve as suppliers for companies operating in the US are likely to be particularly affected.

The USA is Liechtenstein's most important non-European economic partner. This partnership has grown over decades and has led to lively trade and a strong presence of Liechtenstein industry in the USA. Liechtenstein companies employ around 7,000 people in over 40 US states. For every seventh job in Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein companies offer a job in the USA. They have long been part of important American supply chains. Liechtenstein's direct investments in the US amount to 1.4 billion Swiss francs, which is 3.5 times the amount of US investments in Liechtenstein.

The government is interested in continuing its close economic relations with the USA and will provide information on new developments in due course.