The imposition of new trade tariffs by the United States is being seen as the catalyst for a significant shift in Portugal’s commercial strategy, according to comments made by Paulo Raimundo, the leader of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP). He emphasized the necessity to diversify trade relations with other countries as a strategic move the PCP has advocated for a long time.
These remarks were delivered at a press interaction during the presentation of Vítor Proença as the CDU’s leading candidate for the Santiago do Cacém municipal elections, located in the Setúbal district.
Raimundo stressed that, in addition to diversifying trade partnerships, Portugal should prioritize increasing national production and creating supportive conditions for specific sectors affected by these new tariffs, such as wine, olive oil, pharmaceuticals, and cork.
The general secretary of the PCP also criticized the European Union’s subordinate role in the situation, indicating that in the end, it is the United States that makes the final decisions.
“We will hear many threats, many comments, but ultimately the decisions [are made by] the United States,” he asserted.
He provided a “very concrete example about arms and the known effects, resulting in thousands of deaths,” illustrating how “even after everything, where are these arms purchased from? It’s the United States,” he argued.
When questioned about whether Portugal should follow Spain’s recent announcement regarding a relief package to support businesses affected by U.S. tariffs, Paulo Raimundo asserted that the strategy should extend beyond mere financial support to companies. Instead, it involves opening new trade relations with other countries.
“This is crucial to equip ourselves defensively, knowing we deal with a figure who might say one thing today and another tomorrow, yet we shouldn’t be at the mercy of such whims,” he said.
The newly imposed tariffs by the Trump administration aim to bolster the U.S. industrial sector while penalizing countries accused of engaging in unfair trade practices over the years.
The tariffs are universally applied to all imports with additional charges on countries deemed particularly adversarial in commerce.
