The US is an important partner for Switzerland outside Europe. The relationship is based on close historical ties as well as economic, cultural and personal connections. The US is of fundamental importance for Switzerland's prosperity and security. Switzerland's second largest trading partner worldwide, the US is also the most important destination for Swiss exports and direct investments abroad and an important hub for education and research.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–United States of America
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
Switzerland and the US established a strategic partnership dialogue in 2021, which deepened the already regular political dialogue and formalised it at a high political level.
The most recent meetings took place in September 2022 and April 2024. The two countries have also concluded a large number of bilateral agreements, ranging from financial and economic matters to research, education and taxation. This close-knit network of cooperation and exchange is constantly reviewed in order to identify any opportunities and strengthen bilateral ties.
In addition to the bilateral agreements with the US, Switzerland has also provided its good offices in the context of relations with the US. From 1961 to 2015, Switzerland represented the interests of the US in Cuba and, from 1991 to 2015, also represented Cuban interests in the US. It has represented US interests in Iran since 1980.
The parliaments of Switzerland and the US maintain regular contact within the framework of inter-parliamentary friendship groups.
Economic cooperation
In 2023, the Swiss direct investment portfolio in the US totalled CHF 288
billion, making Switzerland the sixth-largest foreign direct investor in the US. Trade between the two countries has grown significantly in recent years. In 2024, Switzerland imported goods worth CHF 26.7 billion from the US. Exports totalled CHF 65.3 billion, making the US the most important export destination for goods from Switzerland.
Around 500 Swiss companies are based in the US, directly employing around 340,000 people (as at 2023). The 1,318 US companies in Switzerland employ just under 110,000 people (as at 2023).
Information on countries, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
The US is a key partner in the field of technology. The Swissnex locations in Boston and San Francisco as well as a bilateral science agreement (2020) are evidence of the close cooperation between the two countries.
Researchers and artists who are citizens of the US can apply to SERI for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. Young professionals can also take part in the exchange thanks to an internship programme.
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)
Swiss science centre in Boston and in San Francisco, Swissnex
Young professionals (trainees), State Secretariat for Migration SEM
Swiss nationals in the USA
More than 10% of the Swiss abroad live in the US. Between 1700 and 2018, around 460,000 Swiss nationals emigrated to the US. At the end of 2024, 84,739 Swiss citizens were officially domiciled there.
History of bilateral relations
Similar values with regard to democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights have formed the basis for friendly relations between Switzerland and the US since the 19th century. Switzerland opened its first consulates in Washington D.C. and New York in 1822. Sixty years later, in 1882, the first Swiss legation outside of Europe opened in Washington D.C. On 1 September 2019 the consulate general in Chicago, closed from 2014, was reopened.
United States of America, historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
Links
Information on countries, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships for Foreign Scholars and Artists (SERI)
Swiss science centre in Boston and in San Francisco, Swissnex
Young professionals (trainees), State Secretariat for Migration SEM
United States of America, historical Dictionary of Switzerland (de, fr, it)
