Efforts by Switzerland to negotiate a more favourable trade relationship with the United States are continuing, Finance Minister Karin Keller-Sutter said on Thursday, following meetings earlier this week between Swiss business leaders and US President Donald Trump.

The discussions come in the wake of a major blow to Switzerland’s exports, after Trump imposed tariffs of 39% on Swiss goods in August, among the steepest duties introduced during his global trade realignment, leaving Swiss companies and policymakers scrambling to mitigate the economic impact.

Keller-Sutter, who has faced criticism over her handling of the dispute, stated that she had fulfilled her responsibilities as Switzerland’s president when she engaged with Trump prior to the tariff announcement.

“He did not agree with the negotiated agreement. Period,” she told newspaper Blick in an article published on Thursday.

“We have to live with that. The talks are continuing.”

She declined to provide details on the ongoing negotiations or indicate whether a deal might be reached before the end of the year, Reuters reports.

“Ultimately, it is up to the US president to decide whether or not to agree to a deal,” Keller-Sutter said.

Swiss companies have been actively lobbying Trump to roll back the tariffs, with a delegation of business leaders meeting him at the White House on Tuesday.

The group, which included executives from shipping firm MSC, watchmaker Rolex, investment company Partners Group, commodities trader Mercuria, Cartier-owner Richemont, and precious metals company MKS, aimed to highlight the impact of US tariffs on their businesses, according to Switzerland’s economy ministry.

The government expressed its support for the initiative.

“Diplomatic and political exchanges are continuing with a view to achieving a rapid reduction in additional tariffs,” the ministry went on to say.