Trump Meets Swiss Business Leaders, Orders More Trade Talks (2)

US President Donald Trump met with executives from Switzerland and announced additional trade talks, as the European nation’s private sector enters the fray in seeking to reduce a tariff rate that ranks higher than any other developed nation.

Trump has imposed a 39% tariff on the country, threatening to drive up costs for chocolatiers including Lindt and watchmakers such as Swatch Group and Rolex SA.

Swiss diplomats have also been engaged in negotiations with the officials in Washington in the hope of having the levy cut. The Swiss government was informed of the private-sector push, but didn’t control it, ...