chinadaily.com.cn
Portugal Criticizes EU-US Tariff Deal, Unveils €4.5 Billion Support Package
Portugal criticizes the recently concluded EU-US tariff agreement, citing the 15 percent tariff on European goods as a substantial increase from the current 2.5 percent average, despite government support measures totaling €4.5 billion to mitigate negative impacts on businesses.
- What are the immediate economic consequences of the new EU-US tariff agreement for Portugal?
- Portugal expresses reservations about the EU-US tariff agreement, viewing it as a limited improvement that incurs significant costs for both sides. The agreement sets US tariffs on European goods at 15 percent, a considerable increase from the current average of around 2.5 percent, impacting Portuguese exporters negatively.
- How does the Portuguese government plan to mitigate the negative impacts of the increased tariffs on its businesses?
- The Portuguese government acknowledges the agreement's predictability but emphasizes its preference for completely free trade. The Confederation of Portuguese Business (CIP) describes the deal as a 'high price' for both parties, highlighting the asymmetry in the EU's and US' tariff structures and the disadvantage to European producers.
- What are the long-term implications of the EU-US tariff agreement on Portugal's economic competitiveness and trade relations?
- Portugal's concerns highlight a broader EU skepticism regarding the long-term economic balance of the EU-US trade deal. Despite government support measures like the "Reforcar" program (with €3.2 billion disbursed), the high tariff levels raise questions about whether short-term stability has been achieved at the cost of long-term economic growth.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the agreement negatively from a Portuguese perspective. The headline and introduction emphasize Portugal's concerns and criticisms, setting a critical tone. While the support measures are mentioned, the focus remains on the perceived drawbacks. This prioritization could shape reader perception towards a negative view of the deal, overlooking potential benefits.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral, but the selection of quotes and emphasis on negative impacts reveals a subtle bias. Terms such as "limited improvement," "steep cost," and "setback" carry negative connotations. More neutral alternatives would be 'moderate improvement,' 'substantial cost', and 'challenge'.
Bias by Omission
The analysis lacks perspectives from US businesses or the EU as a whole, focusing primarily on the Portuguese viewpoint. It omits details of the specific goods affected by tariffs and the overall economic impact on the EU and US beyond Portugal's concerns. This limits a complete understanding of the deal's implications.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the agreement as either 'true free trade' or the current tariff deal, neglecting other potential solutions or levels of tariff reduction. This simplifies a complex issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The new EU-US tariff agreement, while offering some predictability, increases tariffs significantly from the current average, negatively impacting European exporters and potentially leading to job losses and reduced economic growth. Portugal is providing financial support to mitigate these effects, but the long-term economic consequences remain uncertain. The quote "When a hurricane is expected, one feels happy with a mere storm," reflects this sentiment of cautious optimism amidst significant challenges to economic growth.