kathimerini.gr
US Tariffs Create Uncertainty for Greek Olive Oil Exporters
Greek olive oil and olive exporters to the US face uncertainty following the imposition of a 20% tariff by the Trump administration, prompting price adjustments and exploration of alternative strategies to maintain market competitiveness, with concerns over potential consumption decreases and market diversification.
- What is the immediate impact of the 20% US tariff on Greek olive oil and olive exports to the US?
- The Trump administration's 20% tariff on EU imports has left Greek olive oil and olive exporters to the US in a state of uncertainty, forcing them to reassess pricing and profitability. Exporters are awaiting the arrival of their first containers to assess the full impact, with some already exploring alternative strategies to maintain competitiveness.
- How are Greek olive oil and olive exporters responding to the uncertainty created by the new tariffs?
- The tariffs represent a significant challenge to Greek olive oil exporters, who previously enjoyed a promising US market. One exporter, Spyros Dafnis, reports sending 50% more goods in the last six months at the urging of US partners, anticipating the tariff impact. He estimates absorbing up to 7% of the additional costs but acknowledges potential consumption decreases.
- What are the long-term implications of the US tariffs for the Greek olive oil and olive export industry and what alternative strategies are being considered?
- The uncertainty extends beyond immediate cost adjustments. Exporters are exploring alternative solutions such as bulk shipping and on-site packaging in the US to mitigate tariff impacts on packaging. The situation highlights the vulnerability of EU agricultural exports to US trade policies and underscores the need for diversification into other markets.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the negative consequences of the tariffs on Greek olive oil exporters. While it presents factual information, the selection and sequencing of quotes and details, alongside the headline (if one existed, as not provided), would likely shape reader perception towards sympathy for the exporters and a negative view of the tariff policy.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but phrases like "everything is in the air" and "stunned" convey a sense of uncertainty and concern, shaping the reader's emotional response. While these are accurate reflections of the exporters' feelings, more objective descriptions could mitigate this effect.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the perspectives of Greek olive oil and olive exporters, potentially omitting the views of American importers, consumers, or the broader economic impacts of the tariffs. While acknowledging the limitations of space and focusing on a specific group, the lack of diverse viewpoints could limit the reader's understanding of the full implications of the tariffs.
False Dichotomy
The article doesn't explicitly present a false dichotomy, but it implies a simple 'positive' or 'negative' impact of the tariffs, without exploring the potential for nuanced outcomes such as adaptation or market shifts.
Gender Bias
The article focuses primarily on male exporters (Spyros Dafnis, Spiridon Armyros, Themistoklis Roussis, Nikos Renieris). While this may reflect the industry's demographics, it's important to note the lack of female voices and consider whether this under-representation reflects broader gender dynamics within the Greek olive oil export sector. More investigation and inclusion of diverse perspectives would improve this.
Sustainable Development Goals
The imposed 20% tariffs on European Union products imported to the USA negatively impact the economic growth of Greek olive oil and olive producers who export to the US. Reduced sales, increased costs, and uncertainty threaten their livelihoods and economic stability. Producers may be forced to absorb 7% of the extra cost, potentially impacting profit margins and potentially leading to decreased consumption. The uncertainty caused by the tariffs also discourages new exporters from entering the US market.