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Konrad K Häuptli

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Konrad Häuptli graduated from the University of Berne, qualified as an attorney-at-law and was admitted to the Bar of the Canton of Berne. He joined HSBC in 2002 after working with Swiss Re for over 20 years. He then went on to work for KENDRIS in 2016 after retiring as former CEO of HSBC’s Trust Companies in Switzerland. Konrad Häuptli is a member of the Advisory Board of the Swiss Association of Trust Companies (SATC) and is also a member of mixed expert groups representing SATC. He has been managing family assets and has been involved in entrepreneurial activities, board assignments as well as private equity investments.
The Allegation of Forced Labour Is Unfounded

by Konrad K Häuptli | Jul 24, 2026 | News from Berne

k-flash audio commentThe Allegation of Forced Labour Is Unfounded
k-flash audio commentThe Allegation of Forced Labour Is Unfounded

The case

The United States have imposed a 12.5 % tariff on Swiss imports under Section 301, citing allegedly insufficient measures to prevent the importation of goods produced through forced labour.

Source: economiesuisse

The commentary

Switzerland has firmly rejected this allegation. There is no evidence that Swiss supply chains have been used to channel into the US market goods that were produced using forced labour. Forced labour is prohibited under Swiss constitutional, civil and criminal law. Switzerland has also ratified the relevant ILO conventions and implemented the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

For this reason it is pivotal that the dialogue with the United States continues. Switzerland’s objective remains to eliminate the disadvantage it is facing compared with the EU and other trading partners, while ensuring greater predictability and preventing further uncertainty in international trade policy.

This publication has been prepared solely for information purposes and is does not constitute a recommendation, a solicitation, or an offer. The information on which this publication is based has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable and in good faith, but we have not independently verified such information and no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to its accuracy. All expressions of opinion are made as of the date of publication and may be subject to change without notice. k-flash and all related affiliates accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for any consequential loss of any kind arising out of the use of this publication or any part of its contents. The use of this publication should not be regarded as a substitute for the exercise by the recipient of his or her own judgment. This publication is not directed to any person in any jurisdictions that prohibit such publication.
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