# Severin Schwan, chairman of Swiss pharmaceutical powerhouse Roche, has expressed strong criticism of U.S. tariff policies.

*biotech, business · news · 2026-06-04 · Devdiscourse*

## Key points

- Severin Schwan characterized recent U.S. tariff policies as equivalent to 'blackmail' against other nations.
- Schwan revealed that a recent agreement was reached under threat of severe U.S. tariffs.
- He stated that protectionist policies in both the U.S. and China present major geopolitical threats to Roche.
- Schwan directly linked U.S. trade tactics to significant strategic challenges facing Roche globally.

Severin Schwan, chairman of Swiss pharmaceutical powerhouse Roche, has expressed strong criticism of U.S. tariff policies, describing them as tantamount to 'blackmail'. During an interview in Interlaken, Schwan highlighted an agreement driven by U.S. threats of steep tariffs, which he equated to coercive tactics. In addition, Schwan emphasized the significant geopolitical threat posed by protectionist policies in both the United States and China, indicating these were major challenges for Roche. (With inputs from agencies.)

**Companies:** Roche
**Countries:** Switzerland, United States, China

[Read the full story on Devdiscourse](https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/business/3930257-roche-boss-condemns-us-tariff-blackmail)

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