Highest Swiss-Pierre-André Page: «Patience until the change in the USA»

Source: SRF news online / Author: Gian Paolo Driussi / RSI

18.04.2026, 21:20

In view of the strained relations with its important trading partner, the USA, Switzerland is increasingly looking for alternatives. A Swiss parliamentary delegation, led by National Council President Pierre-André Page (SVP/FR), travelled to Canada and met with Prime Minister Mark Carney. One of the topics discussed was updating the free trade agreement between the two countries from 2009.

«Waiting for a change»: Trump was also a topic in Canada

«In view of the problems that have arisen with Donald Trump, I said to myself that we have to go there to find other markets, other agreements and contacts beyond the USA,» says Page in an interview with Swiss-Italian Radio and Television (RSI).

Pierre-André Page, have you already achieved anything in your meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday?

I remember Carney's speech at the WEF in Davos, when he had the courage to say what many people were thinking: «If you're not at the negotiating table, you'll end up on the menu.» When I asked him about it now, he had to laugh. But he also immediately understood the meaning of these words for us. I explained to him that Switzerland had recently signed numerous agreements with Asia and that we should update the free trade agreement with Canada. I think we were able to sensitise him to this. Our message got through: that it is important to invest in Switzerland too and that Canada can become a priority for us.

I don't think it's possible to work with Trump in a stable way.Author:Pierre-André PagePresident of the National Council

How exactly does the free trade agreement with Canada need to be updated?

For example, we need to tackle the issue of double taxation. There are also difficulties in the area of agriculture. As a farmer, I was in a good position to address the issue. I told him that we are open to dialogue, but that compensation is also necessary. Neither our agriculture nor that of Canada should suffer. Now we are passing the ball on to the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and the responsible federal councillors.

Have you taken advice from Mark Carney on how to deal with Trump?

No, but I think people in Canada see it similarly: that you can talk to him, but two hours later you have to expect the exact opposite of what he said. They confirmed that to us. It is important for Switzerland to maintain good contacts with the USA in order to avoid new tariffs. But I don't think you can work with Trump in a stable and predictable way in the long term. We have to try to maintain what we already have without provoking him. Until there is a change in the presidency. I may be a bit direct, but I think patience is the most important virtue in relations with the USA.

Link to the original article: https://www.srf.ch/news/dialog/hoechster-schweizer-pierre-andre-page-geduld-bis-zu-wechsel-in-den-usa