Technology USA restricts Swiss access to AI computer chips
The USA has excluded Switzerland from the allied countries for unlimited access to AI computer chips. Economics Minister Guy Parmelin criticized this decision.
26.01.2025, 11:10
SDA
In Switzerland, these chips are used extensively in academic research, but also by many companies. Switzerland is now in the second group that receives fewer chips, Parmelin said in an interview with the NZZ am Sonntag newspaper. This means that Switzerland would continue to receive chips, but imports would be limited.
"This division is difficult to understand," the Federal Councillor continued. The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) would also use these chips to produce innovations that are important for the Americans. "That would be an own goal for the USA", said Parmelin.
However, the question of classification is the subject of ongoing talks with the USA. The aim is to include Switzerland in the group of countries with unrestricted access.
Access blocked for China
Only 18 trusted allies will be granted unrestricted access to this technology in future, wrote the online portal of French-speaking Swiss television RTS on Sunday. These include Germany, France and Japan. The powerful computer chips are manufactured exclusively by US companies.
There is no explanation yet as to why Switzerland has been excluded. "We first need to understand the reasons for this," said Parmelin. "Is it security concerns? Is it to slow down development in Switzerland?".
According to RTS, the main aim is to block rival countries, particularly China, from accessing this cutting-edge technology. The US is not only trying to slow down exports, but also to prevent Chinese companies from circumventing the restriction by setting up subsidiaries abroad.
Trump wants to waive minimum tax
US President Donald Trump has also announced that the USA will not introduce the global minimum tax. "There will be consequences if the Americans do not go along", Parmelin said in the Sonntagszeitung. The consequences would affect the federal government, cantons and companies. "But we shouldn't be naive. If others suddenly change the rules of the game, the Federal Council will also discuss the consequences for Switzerland," said the Vaudois Federal Councillor.
