Posts archive for October, 2025

The U.S. President’s tariff tantrums have been headline fodder for months, with new hot takes sprouting faster than weeds in a neglected garden. I’ve stayed out of the fray—partly because I’m no trade guru, and partly because I didn’t want to add to the noise. But then, like a bolt from the blue, the President slapped a 39% tariff on Switzerland, timed perfectly for August 1, our national holiday. This unexpected blow has made the issue deeply personal, not just for me, but for all those whose lives and businesses are closely tied to global trade.

Global Trade: The Swiss Cheese of Systems

Global trade is the lifeblood of economies like Switzerland’s, but it’s got holes you could drive a truck through. Two significant issues, to be exact: fragmented operations and high-risk payments.

Fragmented Operations: The world loses approximately $6 trillion annually because global trade is a logistical patchwork. Over half of companies are flying blind, lacking the data to navigate the maze of regulations, supply chains, and customs rules. It’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the manual—frustrating, costly, and bound to end in tears.

Risky Payments: Digitalization could unlock $15.5 billion in benefits, yet small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are starved for $2–5 trillion in trade financing every year. We’ve mastered the art of moving goods across oceans, but what about the financial and operational layers? They’re stuck in the fax-machine era, bleeding efficiency and squandering opportunities.

Trust: The Glue Holding It All Together

Global trade runs on trust—a fragile, gossamer thread woven through data, systems, and relationships. Without it, the whole machine seizes up. Businesses require rock-solid data—such as provenance records, supply chain logs, and certifications—to verify a product’s origin, quality, and compliance. Dodgy data means delays, fines, or your shipment being turned away at the border.

But here’s the million-dollar question, Mr. President: what trustworthy, universally accepted data are you using to calculate trade deficits and justify these tariffs? The World Customs Organization (WCO) calls for standardized, transparent data to facilitate trade and curb fraud. Yet, too many companies are stuck with systems so outdated they might as well be chiseling records on stone tablets.

Tariffs: The New Headache for Businesses

Not long ago, tariffs were a minor nuisance. Global trade agreements kept duties low, allowing businesses to focus on streamlining their operations. But now? Protectionism is the new black, and trade wars between giants like the U.S., EU, and China have turned a product’s “nationality” into a make-or-break issue. Proving where your widget was born can mean the difference between a 15% tariff and a wallet-crushing 39%.

Take a Swiss company with a manufacturing arm in the EU and a sales hub in Switzerland. To export to the U.S., it must prove—beyond a shadow of a doubt—that its product hails from the EU to snag lower tariffs under trade agreements. No digital track-and-trace system? Tough luck. You’re stuck with the 39% tariff, and your profit margins are toast. A 2023 International Chamber of Commerce study found 60% of mid-sized firms lack the tech to meet these origin requirements, leaving them exposed to penalties.

Stablecoins: The Financial Firewalls We Need

The financial side of trade needs to stay above the political fray. Enter stablecoins—cryptocurrencies pegged to steady assets like the U.S. dollar. Unlike traditional banking systems, which can become entangled in sanctions or policy shifts, stablecoins provide a neutral, decentralized means of settling payments quickly. They’re like the Switzerland of money—reliable, impartial, and immune to geopolitical mood swings. This is a beacon of hope in the turbulent sea of global trade.

Mr. President, It’s Personal

Global trade isn’t just charts and spreadsheets. It’s the livelihoods of millions, the survival of businesses, and the heartbeat of economies. Trust is the currency that keeps it humming, built on reliable data and bulletproof financial tools like stablecoins.

Enough with the half-baked measures. The time has come for governments, businesses, and innovators to collaborate and develop a trade system that’s transparent, resilient, and immune to political whims. Only then can global trade be a force for prosperity, not a punching bag for policy grudges.

So, Mr. President, let’s ease up on the tariff trigger finger—my Swiss chocolates are expensive enough as it is.

Participants: Shipper (Sarah), Logistics Company (Liam), Solution Provider (Priya)

Sarah (Shipper):
Alright, let’s address the elephant in the room. Our last shipment was delayed by a week, and I’m still getting complaints from customers. Liam, your logistics team dropped the ball—again. Why can’t you get the tracking updates to us on time? We’re flying blind here!

Liam (Logistics Company):
Hold on, Sarah, don’t pin this on us! We’re doing our best, but your team keeps changing shipment schedules last minute without proper documentation. And Priya, your so-called “solution” for real-time tracking is a nightmare—half the time, the system crashes, and we can’t even access the data. Fix your tech before pointing fingers at us!

Priya (Solution Provider):
Excuse me, Liam? Our system works perfectly when it’s used correctly. The problem is your team doesn’t input the data consistently, and Sarah’s team doesn’t even use the platform half the time! I can’t provide a solution if you both refuse to collaborate. You’re stuck in your rigid, one-dimensional processes, and it’s creating a mess for everyone.

Sarah (Shipper):
Oh, come on, Priya. It’s not just about us. Your platform isn’t intuitive, and it doesn’t integrate with our existing systems. We’re not tech experts—we need something that works for every link in the chain, not just your ideal scenario. And Liam, if you’d at least share your logistics data upfront, we could plan better instead of scrambling.

Liam (Logistics Company):
Fair point, Sarah, but sharing data is a two-way street. We’re hesitant because there’s no secure way to do it without risking exposure. And Priya, your system doesn’t even have proper encryption for sensitive data. How are we supposed to trust it? We’re all stuck because no one’s willing to budge.

Priya (Solution Provider):
Okay, I hear you both. But let’s step back—this blame game isn’t getting us anywhere. It’s clear we’re all struggling because we’re not collaborating effectively. What if the real issue is that we don’t have a secure, reliable way to share data across our systems? If we could solve that, maybe we’d stop working in silos.

Sarah (Shipper):
You know, Priya, you might be onto something. If I could see Liam’s logistics updates in real time—and trust that my data is safe—I’d be able to adjust my plans proactively. Collaboration could actually work if we had that kind of transparency.

Liam (Logistics Company):
Agreed. I’d be more open to sharing if I knew the data was secure and reliable. Priya, if your team can build a system that integrates seamlessly and prioritizes security, we could all benefit. Collaboration is key, but we need the right tools to make it happen.

Priya (Solution Provider):
I’m glad we’re finally on the same page. Let’s work together on this—my team can design a secure data-sharing platform, but I’ll need input from both of you to make sure it fits every link in the chain. If we collaborate on the solution, we can stop pointing fingers and start solving problems.

Sarah (Shipper):
Deal. Let’s set up a follow-up to map out what we need. It’s about time we started working as a team.

Liam (Logistics Company):
Absolutely. Collaboration is the only way forward—if we can share data securely, we’ll all win.