Tánaiste convenes meeting of Government Trade Forum
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 10 Meán Fómhair 2025
Tánaiste Simon Harris convened a meeting of the Government Trade Forum on Wednesday.
This was the eighth meeting of the forum since its establishment and the first since the Joint Statement on the EU-US Framework Agreement published last month.
Speaking after the meeting, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade said:
“Today’s meeting comes at a time when we have entered a new phase in our trading relationship following the deal struck between the EU and the US. This was an opportunity to take stock and hear from key stakeholders about the impact of tariffs on Irish businesses.
“As a result of the EU-US trade deal, there is now greater certainty in relation to trade with the US and while this is the beginning of that new phase, the government is acutely aware of the impact of higher tariffs and the existing difficulties that many Irish exporters have already faced this year.
“I updated the forum on the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity launched earlier today, which focuses on ‘controlling the controllables’ in the Irish economy given the current global trading uncertainty.
“This plan further builds on the government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification published last month - further demonstrating that this government is supporting businesses big and small across the country.
“The forum will play an important role in monitoring implementation of the Plan, which includes over 100 actions to support businesses to adapt to the global trading environment by striking out into new and diverse markets and deepening their engagement in existing markets.
“The government is laser-focused on driving competitiveness and productivity in our economy and supporting businesses. Successful Irish exporting businesses serve to bolster our national economic resilience.
“It is imperative that businesses have the necessary supports as they look to diversify into new and diverse markets and to deepen their engagement in existing markets.
“I also updated the Forum on my meeting with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer last month and our on-going efforts to expand the list of goods that are exempt from the 15% tariff rate, including for the spirits and medtech sectors.”
There was a sectoral focus on agri-food at the forum. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon and Minister of State Noel Grealish presented to members on the latest agri-food developments and the forum also heard from Bord Bia and sectoral representatives.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Heydon said:
“Today’s meeting of the Government Trade Forum was an excellent opportunity to discuss the premium positioning of Irish food and drink products on the global market, which is testament to the dedication of individuals working across 133,000 farms, 2,000 fishing vessels and aquaculture sites, and over 2,000 food and drink businesses.
“While there are uncertainties currently around the global trading landscape, I am confident that the agri-food sector will once again rise to these challenges.”