Portugal questions EU-U.S. tariff deal, warns of high costs, limited gains

29/7/2025 7:27

Portugal has raised concerns over the recently concluded tariff agreement between the European Union (EU) and the United States, describing it as a limited improvement that falls short of true free trade and comes at a steep cost for both sides.



The Ministry of Economy and Territorial Cohesion acknowledged in a statement that the deal -- fixing U.S. tariffs on European goods at 15 percent -- may bring a certain degree of predictability. However, it stressed that "nothing replaces the freedom of trade" and reaffirmed Portugal's commitment to actively push for the gradual elimination of tariffs and other trade barriers.



The Confederation of Portuguese Business (CIP) expressed only "relative relief" at the deal, emphasizing that the price to pay is "high for both parties."