The Irish Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, has welcomed a new trade deal between the European Union and the United States that introduces a 15% tariff on most EU imports to the US. The agreement, finalised during a meeting between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is seen as a step towards stability in one of the world’s most significant trading relationships. Mr Martin praised the clarity the deal offers, saying it would provide certainty for businesses, investors, and consumers while helping to safeguard Irish jobs.
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Although Mr Martin acknowledged that the higher tariffs would inevitably make trade between the EU and US more costly and challenging, he stressed the importance of the agreement in preventing the imposition of even harsher measures. He described the negotiations as long and complex and thanked both delegations for their dedicated efforts. He also noted that while the agreement forms a strong framework, further clarification is expected in the weeks and months to come, especially regarding its sector-specific implications for Irish exporters.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, also expressed cautious optimism. While he regretted the inclusion of the 15% baseline tariff, he emphasised the importance of the certainty the deal provides. Mr Harris underscored Ireland’s close economic ties with the United States, noting that the Ireland-US relationship is valued at over one trillion euros. He confirmed that he would study the fine print of the deal closely, particularly its impact on key sectors like pharmaceuticals and aviation.
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EU Commissioner Michael McGrath described the agreement as a “significant and decisive moment” that resulted from months of detailed negotiations. He stressed the importance of reducing uncertainty, which he said affects investment decisions and employment levels. The talks, hosted in Scotland at President Trump’s invitation, aimed to avert further escalation in tariffs and restore investor confidence. With both sides now aligned on a baseline tariff, EU officials hope the deal will serve as a foundation for a stronger transatlantic economic partnership moving forward.
