For the time being, there will be no more formal free trade negotiations between Switzerland and the USA. During his visit to Washington, Federal Councilor Johann Schneider-Ammann could not achieve a breakthrough. On the other hand, a Memorandum of Understanding on VET was signed.

The talks with Deputy US Trade Representative Jeff Gerrish went well and the exploratory talks will continue, Federal Councilor Schneider-Ammann said on Twitter. Originally, a meeting with the US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer had been planned, but this was canceled.

With regard to vocational training, the trip was successful. Schneider-Amman, US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and US Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta signed a memorandum of understanding.