The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, was asked about the announcement of 30% tariffs on all European Union (EU) products made today by the U.S. President during his official visit to São Tomé and Príncipe for the country’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations.
“Portugal’s position aligns exactly with that of the European Commission. It is clear that such announcements are not good for international trade and the global economy under the circumstances they were made,” commented the head of state to journalists at a hotel in São Tomé.
The President mentioned that the Portuguese government has been “in contact with the European Union” regarding this issue, through Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, who is accompanying him on this trip to São Tomé and Príncipe and was by his side.
Portugal will await the outcome of negotiations regarding tariffs with the United States, hopeful for an agreement, while not excluding any options, in conjunction with the European Union, stated the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Lusa | 17:42 – 12/07/2025
He believes that the EU had a “very calm reaction” through the European Commission, and the Portuguese government, “in harmony with the European Commission”, adopted “a position of common sense, calmness, considering the interest of Portugal, Europe, but also the international community”.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa noted that the announcement by Donald Trump represents “a significant deviation” from the values that “were on the table” and “was somewhat surprising since negotiations between the European Union and the United States were proceeding well”.
However, the head of state added, “this story is not over”, as the negotiation process continues, “in the hope that it will be possible to find a solution beneficial to all, Europe and the United States, aligning with the logic of the negotiations in progress”.
