Tariffs: Government is coordinating response with the European Commission

Donald Trump's sudden decision to impose 30% tariffs is being digested by the government, which has, for now, referred any comment to the European Commission—although it does not rule out the possibility of the prime minister's office issuing a statement. "Calm" is the key word, according to a government source. Contacts with Brussels are ongoing. "We are not making any comment," says the same government source.

Armindo Monteiro, president of the CIP, says that "it was expected; companies must diversify." "What's happening needs to be coordinated with the EU. Between our government and Brussels. This is clearly an embarrassment, a problem, but we cannot be hasty in our analyses. Our negotiations must be considered and calm, even from now on. We are at a time when we must act diplomatically, not by force. While this was expected, what happened to Brazil already pointed the way, and I believe it is part of Donald Trump's tactic. Companies must remain focused on the variables they control, namely continuing to diversify their exports and enhance their supply. Let politics play its role now," Armindo Monteiro told JE.