Methuen Treaty
Quick Summary
The Methuen Treaty, signed in 1703 between Portugal and England, significantly impacted Portugal's economy. This agreement allowed for the importation of English textiles into Portugal while granting Portugal preferential access for its port wine to the English market.
While the treaty strengthened the port wine trade, it did so at the expense of Portugal's own cloth production, which struggled to compete with English manufactured goods. This led to a greater reliance on English imports and a less diversified domestic economy. The treaty's long-term effects contributed to Portugal's economic challenges in later centuries, despite efforts to bolster other industries and fisheries.1
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PortugalThe 18th century…envoy, John Methuen, concluded the treaty that bears his name, by which the exchange of port wine for English woolens became the basis for Anglo-Portuguese trade. Although the treaty of 1654 had secured great privileges for English merchants in Lisbon, neither it nor the treaties of 1642 and 1661, by…
Read More…envoy, John Methuen, concluded the treaty that bears his name, by which the exchange of port wine for English woolens became the basis for Anglo-Portuguese trade. Although the treaty of 1654 had secured great privileges for English merchants in Lisbon, neither it nor the treaties of 1642 and 1661, by…
Read More- PortugalSocial and economic conditions
The Methuen Treaty (1703) with England had strengthened the port wine trade at the expense of Portuguese cloth; further attempts were later made to improve the export value of port wine. Support was also given for the production of woolen goods, linen, paper, porcelain, and cutlery…
Read MoreThe Methuen Treaty (1703) with England had strengthened the port wine trade at the expense of Portuguese cloth; further attempts were later made to improve the export value of port wine. Support was also given for the production of woolen goods, linen, paper, porcelain, and cutlery…
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