Schindler Cuts Estimated Tariff Hit to $18M Annually

Lift maker reduces initial estimate of $33M impact from U.S. tariffs on Swiss exports.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Schindler, the Swiss lift manufacturer, has reduced its estimate of the annual gross impact from U.S. tariffs on its bottom line to 18 million Swiss francs ($23.5 million), down from an initial estimate of 33 million francs communicated in April 2025. The company's finance chief Carla De Geyseleer cited the U.S. cutting tariff rates on Swiss exports from 39% to 15% in November as the reason for the lower impact.

Why it matters

Schindler is one of Switzerland's largest industrial companies, so the impact of U.S. tariffs on its operations is closely watched as a barometer of trade tensions between the two countries. The reduced tariff estimate signals an easing of economic pressure, though the company still faces a significant annual hit to its profits.

The details

In April 2025, Schindler had initially estimated the annual gross impact of U.S. tariffs on its business to be 33 million Swiss francs. However, in its latest earnings call, finance chief Carla De Geyseleer said the company now expects the annual tariff hit to be 18 million francs. This reduction is attributed to the U.S. government lowering the tariff rate on Swiss exports from 39% to 15% in November.

  • In April 2025, Schindler initially estimated the annual tariff impact at 33 million Swiss francs.
  • In November, the U.S. cut the tariff rate on Swiss exports from 39% to 15%.
  • On February 11, 2026, Schindler reported the reduced annual tariff impact estimate of 18 million Swiss francs.

The players

Schindler

A Swiss lift manufacturer and one of the country's largest industrial companies.

Carla De Geyseleer

Schindler's finance chief, who provided the updated tariff impact estimate on the company's earnings call.

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What they’re saying

“Schindler expects U.S. tariffs to have an annual gross impact of 18 million Swiss francs on its bottom line.”

— Carla De Geyseleer, Finance Chief

The takeaway

Schindler's reduced tariff impact estimate reflects an easing of trade tensions between the U.S. and Switzerland, though the company still faces a significant annual hit to its profits from the tariffs. The update provides insight into how large Swiss firms are navigating the evolving trade landscape.