Tech looks set to escape the threatened countermeasures – along with moves against American bourbon and other alcohol
Taoiseach Micheal Martin with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen (PA)
Ireland’s vital interests look set to be protected as Taoiseach Micheál Martin meets President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels today to be told the nature of proposed EU retaliatory tariffs to the United States’ “Liberation Day” moves.
Tech looks set to escape the threatened countermeasures, along with moves against American bourbon and other alcohol that could, in theory, see Ireland hit badly by any further escalation.
However the tabled tariffs today will only come into force if President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause, with ends in July, does not see a trade resolution in the interim.
The Government is hopeful the pharma and semiconductor industries here, and their thousands of direct and indirectly-dependent jobs will be spared from danger — with the expectation that the spectre of an EU big stick will force American negotiators to the table.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Trade Simon Harris last night briefed his parliamentary party on today’s “new challenges” as the European Union publishes its proposed list of counter measures in light of any escalation in the trade dispute between the US and the EU.
He concluded by saying that we understand the need for the EU to undertake further internal preparations in case negotiations are unsuccessful and as we always do, Ireland will communicate our sensitivities to the Commission.
However, he added, it is clear that difficult decisions may need to be taken.
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