ZURICH, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Switzerland's gold industry

on Thursday voiced scepticism about a proposal by the boss of

watchmaker Swatch to introduce a levy on gold exports to

the United States in retaliation for U.S. tariffs on

Switzerland.

U.S. President Donald Trump last week imposed tariffs of 39%

on imported Swiss goods, causing shock and dismay in the Alpine

republic, a major refining and transit hub for gold.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection afterwards said

Washington might put tariffs on the most widely-traded gold

bullion bars in the United States. However, Trump said on Monday

that gold would not face tariffs.

Swatch CEO Nick Hayek told Swiss newspaper Blick that

Trump's announcement indicated that tariffs on gold would be

painful for the U.S. president.

"Now is the time to go on the offensive. Switzerland should

order a 39% export tax on gold bars for the United States,"

Hayek told the paper. "That's where we have to get at him.

That's his Achilles' heel."

The Swiss Association of Manufacturers and Traders in

Precious Metals (ASFCMP) said that while ideas to better balance

bilateral trade were welcome, careful consideration needed to be

given to Switzerland's longer-term interests.

"An export tax on Swiss gold destined for the USA would not

only harm Switzerland economically, but also damage the

reputation of a country that has consistently promoted and

defended free trade," ASFCMP President Christoph Wild said.

The Swiss Economy Ministry declined to comment on the

proposal, but said the support of business representatives was

in general welcome and helped underscore the close economic ties

between the U.S. and Switzerland.

Trump justified his 39% tariff by pointing to Switzerland's

sizeable trade surplus with the United States. Part of that is

due to gold exports.

Hayek said that even if a gold levy failed to move Trump, it

would cut the U.S. trade deficit with Switzerland.

"If Trump doesn't give in to our pressure, we'll at least

improve the trade balance with the U.S. if the Americans no

longer import gold bars via Switzerland," he told Blick.

Switzerland is continuing to hold talks with U.S. officials

aimed at lowering the U.S. tariffs.

(Writing by Dave Graham

Editing by Mark Potter)