Swatch takes a swipe at Trump’s 39% tariff with switched-up watch
Original story by
CNBC•Sep 12•Tariffs, Trade, Luxury Goods
📰 Article Summary
Swatch has created a special edition watch called "WHAT IF...TARIFFS?" as a response to the controversial 39% tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on Swiss imports. This limited edition product features a design that playfully alters the watch face to highlight the impact of the tariffs. Priced at 139 Swiss francs ($174), the watch aims to provoke a discussion about the tariffs while also pressuring the Swiss government for a more favorable trading agreement. Swatch plans to discontinue the watch if the tariffs are removed, reflecting their desire for a swift resolution to the trade issue.
📌 Key Facts
- Tariff Challenge: Swatch's new watch directly confronts the 39% tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Swiss imports. By altering the watch’s design, Swatch uses humor to highlight the detrimental effects these tariffs have on their business.
- Purpose of the Watch: The 'WHAT IF...TARIFFS?' watch is intended as a 'positive provocation' aimed at both consumers and authorities, encouraging dialogue about the impact of tariffs on trade between the U.S. and Switzerland.
- Limited Availability: This special watch model is exclusively available in Switzerland and is designed to be a limited edition, which has already shown as out of stock on Swatch’s website.
- Impact on Swiss Economy: The tariffs have severely impacted the Swiss luxury watch industry, which heavily relies on U.S. consumers for sales, making the launch of this watch particularly timely and relevant.
- Future Intentions: Swatch has stated that they will cease selling the watch immediately if the U.S. changes its customs duties, indicating their hope for a quick resolution to the current trade tensions.
📂 Article Classification
Topic Tags: Business
📍 Location
N/A, Switzerland
Content is AI generated and may contain inaccurate information.