Swiss deploy charm offensive in bid to slash crippling Trump tariffs

Swiss ministers have had "very positive" talks in Washington, but a private business visit to the Oval Office may have made all the difference.

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One senior US official said the Swiss were "very aware" of their trade deficit and were prepared to address it - hopefully leading to a "meaningful reduction" in tariffs.

Swiss economics minister Guy Parmelin, meanwhile, said the two sides had "clarified almost everything" in the talks.

Switzerland been trying to bring down the tariff rate - which has hit the country hard - for months.

Swiss industry chiefs came to the Oval Office on 4 November bearing gifts, including a Rolex gold watch and a specially engraved gold bar from Swiss-based gold refining company MKS.