Helene Budliger-Artieda, director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), revealed that several of Switzerland’s major gold refiners are evaluating plans to establish finishing plants in the United States. The disclosure follows the new trade framework that cuts tariffs and promises regulatory fast-tracking for strategic metals.
Switzerland exported CHF 53 billion (US$66.8 billion) worth of gold to the U.S. in 2024, but razor-thin margins (often below 1 %) have limited job creation in Switzerland. By setting up U.S. operations, refiners hope to capture downstream value, reduce shipping costs and insulate themselves from currency swings.
![Swiss Gold-Refiners Scout U.S. Sites After Tariff Deal Opens Door to Local Processing]()
From a mobility standpoint, green-field U.S. projects will require waves of Swiss metallurgists, compliance officers and quality-assurance managers. SECO confirmed it is negotiating a bespoke visa-facilitation chapter that would streamline L-1 blanket petitions and recognize Swiss vocational certificates for hazardous-materials handling.
Local chambers of commerce in Nevada and Texas—both near major logistics hubs—have already sent site-selection teams to Zurich. Mobility managers should monitor state-level tax-break packages; many include relocation grants that can offset housing allowances and schooling costs for expatriate families.
If even one of the big four Swiss refiners (Metalor, Valcambi, Argor-Heraeus, PAMP) commits, analysts expect 300-500 Swiss outbound assignments over the next three years.
Switzerland exported CHF 53 billion (US$66.8 billion) worth of gold to the U.S. in 2024, but razor-thin margins (often below 1 %) have limited job creation in Switzerland. By setting up U.S. operations, refiners hope to capture downstream value, reduce shipping costs and insulate themselves from currency swings.
From a mobility standpoint, green-field U.S. projects will require waves of Swiss metallurgists, compliance officers and quality-assurance managers. SECO confirmed it is negotiating a bespoke visa-facilitation chapter that would streamline L-1 blanket petitions and recognize Swiss vocational certificates for hazardous-materials handling.
Local chambers of commerce in Nevada and Texas—both near major logistics hubs—have already sent site-selection teams to Zurich. Mobility managers should monitor state-level tax-break packages; many include relocation grants that can offset housing allowances and schooling costs for expatriate families.
If even one of the big four Swiss refiners (Metalor, Valcambi, Argor-Heraeus, PAMP) commits, analysts expect 300-500 Swiss outbound assignments over the next three years.
