Swiss Lawmakers Seek FIFA’s Infantino to Mediate U.S. Trade Tensions

Swiss political leaders are pursuing an unorthodox diplomatic strategy to address mounting trade tensions with the United States, involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The football executive’s personal ties to former U.S. President Donald TRUMP are seen as a potential conduit for negotiations.

Switzerland faces a 39% U.S. tariff on key exports—the highest rate in Europe—despite direct appeals from Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter and Economy Minister Guy Parmelin. Earlier negotiations aimed at reducing the tariff to 10% collapsed after Trump cited America’s $39 billion trade deficit with Switzerland as justification for the punitive measure.

Infantino’s rapport with Trump, cultivated during the former’s tenure at FIFA, is now viewed as a possible backchannel. The Swiss government, known for its neutrality, appears willing to explore unconventional avenues after traditional diplomacy failed to sway Trump, who publicly dismissed Keller-Sutter’s arguments during a CNBC interview.