People demonstrate against a government's bill to increase the Valued-Added Tax (VAT) for equestrian centers from 7 to 20 per cent, on the Promenade Des Anglais in Nice December 1, 2013. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS ANIMALS) 

People demonstrate against a government's bill to increase the Valued-Added Tax (VAT) for equestrian centers from 7 to 20 per cent, on the Promenade Des Anglais in Nice December 1, 2013. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS ANIMALS) 

People demonstrate against a government's bill to increase the Valued-Added Tax (VAT) for equestrian centers from 7 to 20 per cent, on the Promenade Des Anglais in Nice December 1, 2013. REUTERS/Eric Gaillard (FRANCE - Tags: POLITICS ANIMALS) 

Demonstrators burn an effigy of Mexico's Finance Minister Luis Videgaray during a protest against the federal government's economic and tax reforms in Ciudad Juarez October 22, 2013. The Lower House maintained the government's plan to raise the lower 11 percent value-added tax (VAT) rate for border states to match the national rate of 16 percent. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez (MEXICO - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

Demonstrators hold up signs during a march against the federal government's economic and tax reforms in Ciudad Juarez October 22, 2013. The Lower House maintained the government's plan to raise the lower 11 percent value-added tax (VAT) rate for border states to match the national rate of 16 percent. The signs read: "No to the 16 percent price increase", "No to the 16 percent lack of tourism", "No to the 16 percent closure of assembly plants" and "No to the 16 percent crime increase". REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez (MEXICO - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS BUSINESS SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

Demonstrators hold up signs during a march against the federal government's economic and tax reforms in Ciudad Juarez October 22, 2013. The Lower House maintained the government's plan to raise the lower 11 percent value-added tax (VAT) rate for border states to match the national rate of 16 percent. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez (MEXICO - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) 

REFILE - ADDING POWERBALL REFERENCE
Gloria C. Mackenzie, an 84-year-old woman from Zephyrhills, Florida (C), her son Scott (R) and a person identified by Lottery Officials as "a trusted family friend" (L) are escorted out of the Florida Lottery offices after claiming the largest single Powerball jackpot in American lottery history, valued at $590 million, in Tallahassee, June 5, 2013. Lottery officials said Mackenzie had elected to take the lump sum payout of $370,896,780 before taxes. REUTERS/Colin Hackley (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY) 

REFILE - ADDING POWERBALL REFERENCE
Gloria C. Mackenzie, an 84-year-old woman from Zephyrhills, Florida (C) and her son Scott (R) leave the Florida Lottery offices after claiming the largest single Powerball jackpot in American lottery history, valued at $590 million, in Tallahassee, June 5, 2013. Lottery officials said Mackenzie had elected to take the lump sum payout of $370,896,780 before taxes. REUTERS/Colin Hackley (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY) 

REFILE - ADDING POWERBALL REFERENCE
Gloria C. Mackenzie, an 84-year-old woman from Zephyrhills, Florida (C), her son Scott (R) and a person identified by Lottery Officials as "a trusted family friend" (L) leave the Florida Lottery offices after claiming the largest single Powerball jackpot in American lottery history, valued at $590 million, in Tallahassee, June 5, 2013. Lottery officials said Mackenzie had elected to take the lump sum payout of $370,896,780 before taxes. REUTERS/Colin Hackley (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY) 

REFILE - ADDING POWERBALL REFERENCE
Gloria C. Mackenzie, an 84-year-old woman from Zephyrhills, Florida (C), her son Scott (R) and a person identified by Lottery Officials as "a trusted family friend" (L) leave the Florida Lottery offices after claiming the largest single Powerball jackpot in American lottery history, valued at $590 million, in Tallahassee, June 5, 2013. Lottery officials said Mackenzie had elected to take the lump sum payout of $370,896,780 before taxes. REUTERS/Colin Hackley (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY) 

REFILE - ADDING POWERBALL REFERENCE
Gloria C. Mackenzie, an 84-year-old woman from Zephyrhills, Florida (C) and her son Scott (R) leave the Florida Lottery offices after claiming the largest single Powerball jackpot in American lottery history, valued at $590 million, in Tallahassee, June 5, 2013. Lottery officials said Mackenzie had elected to take the lump sum payout of $370,896,780 before taxes. REUTERS/Colin Hackley (UNITED STATES - Tags: SOCIETY) 

A hooded protester holds up placards during a march, where leftist organizations demonstrated their opposition to new taxes on food and medicine, as well as the privatization of state oil company Pemex, in Mexico City March 18, 2013. Protesters from civil organizations and workers from various unions are seeking to pressure the government to reject any would-be proposal to apply the country's I.V.A. (value added tax) to food and medicine or privatize Pemex, according to local media. The placards read as "I.V.A 22%" and "Privatization". REUTERS/Henry Romero (MEXICO - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY BUSINESS CIVIL UNREST) 

A hooded protester holds up placards during a march, where leftist organizations demonstrated their opposition to new taxes on food and medicine, as well as the privatization of state oil company Pemex, in Mexico City March 18, 2013. Protesters from civil organizations and workers from various unions are seeking to pressure the government to reject any would-be proposal to apply the country's I.V.A. (value added tax) to food and medicine or privatize Pemex, according to local media. The placards read as "I.V.A 22%" and "Privatization". REUTERS/Henry Romero (MEXICO - Tags: POLITICS ENERGY BUSINESS CIVIL UNREST) 

Protesters take part during a march, where leftist organizations demonstrated their opposition to new taxes on food and medicine, as well as the privatization of state oil company Pemex, in Mexico City March 18, 2013. Protesters from civil organizations and workers from various unions are seeking to pressure the government to reject any would-be proposal to apply the country's I.V.A. (value added tax) to food and medicine or privatize Pemex, according to local media. REUTERS/Henry Romero (MEXICO - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS ENERGY CIVIL UNREST) 

A woman from China stands with a shopping trolley in front of a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new Mandarin-speaking personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Women look at cosmetic products in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new Mandarin-speaking personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Men look at cosmetic products in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new Mandarin-speaking personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

A man sits on a bench at the departure area at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new Mandarin-speaking personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

A man with a tablet computer stands in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new Mandarin-speaking personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Men wheel shopping trolleys in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new Mandarin-speaking personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

A woman with a book sits on a bench at the departure area at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new Mandarin-speaking personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

A man looks at goods in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new Mandarin-speaking personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

A flight monitor showing departing flights is pictured at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new Mandarin-speaking personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Cosmetic products are pictured in a bag in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt.Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Benny, 32, from China, makes his way to the cash desk in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt.Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Mandarin-speaking personal shopper Wasim Hussein, 43, (R) says goodbye to Benny, 32, from China, in front of a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Mandarin-speaking personal shopper Wasim Hussein, 43, (L) poses with Benny, 32, from China in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Benny, 32, from China shows a shopping list on his smart phone in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt, November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new Mandarin-speaking personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Mandarin-speaking personal shopper Wasim Hussein, 43 (C) and a sales assistant help Benny, 32, from China (L) to purchase cosmetic goods in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Mandarin-speaking personal shopper Wasim Hussein, 43 (C) and a sales assistant help Benny, 32, from China (L) to purchase cosmetic goods in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

The shoulder bag of Mandarin-speaking personal shopper Wasim Hussein, 43, is pictured at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

The lanyard of Mandarin-speaking personal shopper Wasim Hussein, 43, is pictured at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Mandarin-speaking personal shopper Wasim Hussein, 43, laughs as he poses in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Mandarin-speaking personal shopper Wasim Hussein, 43, laughs as he poses in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

Mandarin-speaking personal shopper Wasim Hussein, 43, laughs as he poses in a Duty Free store at the Fraport airport in Frankfurt November 14, 2012. Frankfurt airport's new personal shopper service is just one example of how leisure and travel firms in crisis-struck Europe are trying to tap into the seemingly inexhaustible spending power of Chinese tourists. Value-added tax (VAT) refund data shows that Chinese travellers, who could overtake Germans as the world's biggest spenders on foreign travel this year, top the tax free shopping leaderboard in European cities like Paris, London and Frankfurt. Picture taken November14, 2012. REUTERS/Lisi Niesner (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TRAVEL) 

A woman scratches her back with a spoon during a protest in front of parliament in Lisbon October 16, 2012. According to the protesters, restaurant workers are demanding for the reduction of value added tax (VAT) from 23 to 6 percent in the catering sector. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante (PORTUGAL - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) 

Restaurant workers banging on saucepans with spoons shout slogans in front of parliament in Lisbon October 16, 2012. According to the protesters, they are demanding for the reduction of value added tax (VAT) from 23 to 6 percent in the catering sector. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante (PORTUGAL - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) 

Restaurant workers banging on saucepans with spoons shout slogans in front of parliament in Lisbon October 16, 2012. According to the protesters, they are demanding for the reduction of value added tax (VAT) from 23 to 6 percent in the catering sector. REUTERS/Rafael Marchante (PORTUGAL - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS CIVIL UNREST) 

Workers clean fish for customers at a fish shop in a local market in Madrid September 4, 2012. As of September 1, Spain's VAT tax rate surged to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit and avoid a full-blown European bailout. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust to a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A municipal worker sweeps the floor as shop assistants change the window display at a clothing store in Madrid September 4, 2012. As of September 1, Spain's VAT tax rate surged to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit and avoid a full-blown European bailout. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust to a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

People look at discounted books displayed on the street in Madrid September 4, 2012. As of September 1, Spain's VAT tax rate surged to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit and avoid a full-blown European bailout. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust to a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A woman walks past a sign advertising books at one euro in Madrid September 4, 2012. As of September 1, Spain's VAT tax rate surged to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit and avoid a full-blown European bailout. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust to a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A man shops at a butcher's store in a local market in Madrid September 4, 2012. As of September 1, Spain's VAT tax rate surged to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit and avoid a full-blown European bailout. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust to a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A sign reads "We assume the VAT tax rate increase. We step on the VAT tax rate" as a woman looks around at a shoe store in Madrid September 4, 2012. As of September 1, Spain's VAT tax rate surged to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit and avoid a full-blown European bailout. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust to a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. REUTERS/Susana Vera (SPAIN - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY) 

A couple unload grocery into their car after shopping at a supermarket at La Canada shopping centre in Marbella, near Malaga September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish shoppers and small businesses were resigned to more pain on Saturday, as everyday living costs became more expensive following a hike in value-added tax (VAT). The government has raised its main VAT rate by three percentage points to 21 percent as part of a drive to slash 65 billion euros ($82 billion) from the public deficit by 2014 and save the country from a full international bailout. REUTERS/Jon Nazca (SPAIN - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

A chef figurine stands at the entrance of a restaurant at La Canada shopping centre in Marbella, near Malaga September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish shoppers and small businesses were resigned to more pain on Saturday, as everyday living costs became more expensive following a hike in value-added tax (VAT). The government has raised its main VAT rate by three percentage points to 21 percent as part of a drive to slash 65 billion euros ($82 billion) from the public deficit by 2014 and save the country from a full international bailout. REUTERS/Jon Nazca (SPAIN - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS) 

Three statues of bulls (bottom) are displayed in a decoration store in San Pedro de Alcantara, near Malaga September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish shoppers and small businesses were resigned to more pain on Saturday, as everyday living costs became more expensive following a hike in value-added tax (VAT). The government has raised its main VAT rate by three percentage points to 21 percent as part of a drive to slash 65 billion euros ($82 billion) from the public deficit by 2014 and save the country from a full international bailout. REUTERS/Jon Nazca (SPAIN - Tags: BUSINESS POLITICS ANIMALS) 

A flower vendor arranges plants at an outdoor flower market in Madrid, September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust on the first day of a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. Spain's VAT tax rate surges to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit in order to avoid a full-blown European bailout. REUTERS/Paul Hanna (SPAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY BUSINESS) 

A flower vendor arranges plants at an outdoor flower market in Madrid, September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust on the first day of a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. Spain's VAT tax rate surges to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit in order to avoid a full-blown European bailout. REUTERS/Paul Hanna (SPAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY BUSINESS) 

A fruit vendor attends to a client at a market in Madrid, September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust on the first day of a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. Spain's VAT tax rate surges to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit in order to avoid a full-blown European bailout. REUTERS/Paul Hanna (SPAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY BUSINESS) 

A fruit vendor fills a bag at a market in Madrid, September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust on the first day of a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. Spain's VAT tax rate surges to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit in order to avoid a full-blown European bailout. REUTERS/Paul Hanna (SPAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY BUSINESS) 

A fruit vendor attends to a client at a market in Madrid, September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust on the first day of a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. Spain's VAT tax rate surges to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit in order to avoid a full-blown European bailout. REUTERS/Paul Hanna (SPAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY BUSINESS) 

A fruit vendor attends a client at a market in Madrid, September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust on the first day of a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. Spain's VAT tax rate surges to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit in order to avoid a full-blown European bailout. REUTERS/Paul Hanna (SPAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY BUSINESS) 

A fruit vendor weighs produce at a market in Madrid, September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust on the first day of a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. Spain's VAT tax rate surges to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit in order to avoid a full-blown European bailout. REUTERS/Paul Hanna (SPAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY BUSINESS) 

A fruit vendor attends to a client at a market in Madrid, September 1, 2012. Cash-strapped Spanish consumers and small business owners adjust on the first day of a higher value-added tax imposed to cut the public deficit while the country's second recession in three years drags on. Spain's VAT tax rate surges to 21% on a range of goods and services as part of a government plan to boost revenues and cut the deficit in order to avoid a full-blown European bailout. REUTERS/Paul Hanna (SPAIN - Tags: POLITICS SOCIETY BUSINESS) 

A model presents an "angel" diamond ring encrusted with a 4.05 carat diamond estimated to be worth a total of $112,800, part of the diamond jewelry portfolios of the Singapore Diamond Exchange (SDX), at SDX premises within the Singapore Freeport secure facility August 15, 2012. The newly set up company aims to help investors buy diamonds at wholesale prices. SDX, whose shareholders include famed U.S. investor Jim Rogers, can store the diamonds on behalf of investors at the secured facility in Singapore such that they attract no value-added or consumption tax. REUTERS/Edgar Su (SINGAPORE - Tags: SOCIETY WEALTH BUSINESS) 

A model presents a 54.09 carat emerald cut vivid yellow diamond worth a reserve price of $6.1 million, part of the diamond portfolios of the Singapore Diamond Exchange (SDX), at SDX premises within the Singapore Freeport secure facility August 15, 2012. The newly set up company aims to help investors buy diamonds at wholesale prices. SDX, whose shareholders include famed U.S. investor Jim Rogers, can store the diamonds on behalf of investors at the secured facility in Singapore such that they attract no value-added or consumption tax. REUTERS/Edgar Su (SINGAPORE - Tags: SOCIETY WEALTH BUSINESS) 

A model presents a diamond necklace with a 10.88 carat yellow diamond pendant, part of the diamond jewelry portfolios of the Singapore Diamond Exchange (SDX), at SDX premises within the Singapore Freeport secure facility August 15, 2012. The newly set up company aims to help investors buy diamonds at wholesale prices. SDX, whose shareholders include famed U.S. investor Jim Rogers, can store the diamonds on behalf of investors at the secured facility in Singapore such that they attract no value-added or consumption tax. REUTERS/Edgar Su (SINGAPORE - Tags: SOCIETY WEALTH BUSINESS) 

A model presents a 54.09 carat emerald cut vivid yellow diamond worth a reserve price of $6.1 million, part of the diamond portfolios of the Singapore Diamond Exchange (SDX), at SDX premises within the Singapore Freeport secure facility August 15, 2012. The newly set up company aims to help investors buy diamonds at wholesale prices. SDX, whose shareholders include famed U.S. investor Jim Rogers, can store the diamonds on behalf of investors at the secured facility in Singapore such that they attract no value-added or consumption tax. REUTERS/Edgar Su (SINGAPORE - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY WEALTH) 

Workers rest on steel pipes at a steel wholesale market in Shenyang, Liaoning province, August 1, 2012. China is considering reviving a value-added tax rebate aimed at aiding the country's struggling steel sector, the official Shanghai Securities News reported on Tuesday, citing unidentified sources. REUTERS/Stringer (CHINA - Tags: BUSINESS COMMODITIES)