Portugal has called on its United States and European allies to greatly enhance dialogue to avoid US tariffs that could prove harmful to people in all EU countries, especially the least wealthy.
The Portuguese Finance Minister, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, made this appeal on Tuesday, the day after Donald Trump assumed the presidency.
“We will analyse the decisions of the US administration and try to strengthen economic ties,” Portugal’s finance minister told the Reuters news agency, and other reporters in Brussels.
“It is necessary to have a constructive attitude of dialogue, but also naturally in defence of what is in the interest of Europe and its member states,” said the finance minister.
Trump has already declared that a tariff of 25% could be imposed on his two neighbours, Canada and Mexico, as early as 1st February. Increased tariffs are almost certain on Chinese goods entering America. However, nothing definite has yet been announced about tariffs on Portuguese and other European exports.
Written by Len Port - Photo courtesy of Depositphotos.com
