Greer told Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” that a possible deal with Switzerland could boost manufacturing in the United States, noting that Swiss companies were “quite eager” to invest in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, aeronautics, aircraft parts and even gold smelting.
“So we are in close talks with the Swiss,” he said, noting that he had met with a delegation of Swiss companies who had met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday. Greer said talks with Switzerland had been ongoing for several weeks.
The group included executives from shipping company MSC, watch maker Rolex, investment firm Partners Group PGHN.S, commodities trader Mercuria, Cartier owner Richemont CFR.S and precious metals firm MKS.
Switzerland has been fighting for a trade deal with Trump that could reduce the 39% tariff rate it imposed on Swiss imports in August, one of the highest tariffs applied in its realignment of global trade.
Greer said he was also holding talks with trade partners in the Western Hemisphere, including Central America, as well as Mexico, adding that Trump’s trade strategy was continuing to take shape.
“You saw it last week in Asia when it reached agreements with several Southeast Asian countries and East Asian countries. You will see it again this month in the Western Hemisphere and elsewhere,” he said, without elaborating.
On Thursday, Greer’s office changed the dates of a hearing on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal from Nov. 17 to Dec. 3-5.
