Bern, August 1 (QNA) - Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter expressed her disappointment today over the US trade tariffs, stressing that they were much higher than the two countries had agreed upon.

Sutter said, in remarks on the sidelines of an event marking Swiss National Day, that "the government is disappointed by the tariffs imposed by Washington on Switzerland," stressing that "the 39 percent figure exceeded expectations."

She added, "It is regrettable that the tariffs are much higher than we negotiated." She explained that although the tariffs do not include the pharmaceutical sector, increasing them would have a "very negative" impact on the Swiss economy.

She stated that her government has already contacted Washington to reach a solution, without revealing the nature of the US response so far.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order yesterday, Thursday, imposing tariffs ranging from 10 to 41 percent on imports from dozens of foreign countries and locations. The tariffs will take effect on August 7, with the exception of Canada, which was subject to the measures immediately after the signing ceremony. (QNA)