Relations between Switzerland and the United States are excellent. They are based on close historical links as well as economic, cultural and personal ties. The United States is of fundamental importance to Switzerland's prosperity and security, and is its second-largest trading partner. The United States is the main destination for Swiss exports and direct investments abroad, and plays a key role in the field of education and research.
Bilateral relations Switzerland–United States of America
Key aspects of diplomatic relations
In 2021 the two countries set up a strategic partnership dialogue, thereby institutionalising an already regular bilateral dialogue at a high political level. They also signed a series of agreements, including on the financial and economic sectors, tax issues and research and education. This tightly woven network of cooperation projects and exchanges is constantly reviewed to identify opportunities and strengthen bilateral ties.
Switzerland represented American interests in Cuba from 1961 to 2015 and Cuban interests in the United States from 1991 to 2015. It has represented US interests in Iran since 1980.
Economic cooperation
In 2022 Switzerland was the seventh-largest foreign investor in the United States, with an investment volume of USD 297 billion. Trade between Switzerland and the United States has been particularly buoyant in recent years. In 2023, Switzerland imported goods worth CHF 29.7 billion from the United States, while its exports amounted to CHF 56.6 billion, making the United States the main destination for Swiss goods exports.
Around 500 Swiss companies are established in the United States, generating some 317,000 direct jobs in 2022. There were 1,176 American companies based in Switzerland in 2021, employing almost 104,000 people.
Information on countries, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs SECO
Cooperation in education, research and innovation
The United States is a key partner in the field of technology. The Swissnex offices in Boston and San Francisco and the 2020 agreement for scientific cooperation reflect the close cooperation between the two countries.
Researchers and artists who are citizens of the United States can apply to the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships. An agreement on trainees also facilitates exchanges between young professionals.
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 United States. Some 460,000 Swiss emigrated there between 1700 and 2018. There were 83,667 Swiss nationals officially resident in the country at the end of 2023.
History of bilateral relations
Switzerland and the United States have enjoyed friendly relations since the 19th century, based on shared values such as democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Switzerland opened its first consulates in Washington and New York as early as 1822. Sixty years later, in 1882, it inaugurated its first legation outside Europe in Washington, D.C. The consulate general in Chicago was reopened in September 2019 (having been closed from 2014).
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)
