Formalization of Swiss-U.S. trade deal may take time, minister says

ZURICH, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin on Wednesday said the United States is aware that the process of formalising a preliminary trade deal struck last month to lower U.S. tariffs on the Alpine country could take some time.

"They are fully aware that the parliamentary debate may take some time and have not demanded that it be concluded quickly," Parmelin said, speaking after his government said the reduction of U.S. tariffs would apply retroactively from November 14.