Tánaiste updates Trade Forum on EU-UK and EU-US developments

The Tánaiste Simon Harris updated the Government Trade Forum today (Monday) on the latest developments on trade and tariffs.

The discussion during the fifth meeting of the forum focused on the latest developments with respect to US tariff policy and the list of potential EU counter measures.

The Tánaiste briefed the Forum on his meetings with European Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and EU Trade Ministers in Brussels last week.

The Tánaiste also updated the Forum on the outcome of the first EU-UK Summit and warmly welcomed the agreement on a strategic partnership and a forward-looking agenda for cooperation targeted at improving opportunities for citizens in both the EU and UK.

The Tánaiste said: “Today is a very positive day in relation to EU-UK relations. Any time there is close cooperation between the UK and the EU both benefit. Ireland benefits as well. We want to see close relationships between the UK and the EU because it makes sense.

“When it comes to issues like security and defence, SPS, fisheries, climate, energy, we are so interdependent and I think today is a very important step forward in relation to that.

Speaking on the discussion on EU-US relations at today’s Forum, the Tánaiste said: “Since the last meeting of the Forum at the end of April, there have been significant developments regarding EU-US trade relations.

“Negotiations remain the focus for both the EU and Ireland. But at the same time, we understand the need for the EU to undertake further internal preparations in case negotiations are unsuccessful. This is a sensible and measured approach.

“It is very important to reiterate that these measures will not be implemented immediately. There is a consultation period during which the Commission will be seeking the views of Member States as well as of business and other stakeholders. In today’s Forum, I strongly urged members to participate in this process.

“The Government is committed to working with stakeholders to understand the potential impacts of these countermeasures on Ireland. In analysing the countermeasures we are keen to hear from industry stakeholders. As we have done in the past, we will communicate Irish specific concerns to the Commission.”

The Forum received an update on Minister Peter Burke’s trade and investment mission to the US last week, as well as on the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification. The Action Plan, which is being developed jointly by the Departments of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides for a whole of government approach to enhance Ireland’s trading relationships with existing, new and emerging markets.

The Tánaiste welcomed the work underway: “I look forward to concerted action across the whole of Government and working in close collaboration with other stakeholders such as those in this Forum. This is an important opportunity to recommit our efforts across Government, working with key stakeholders to develop new, emerging and existing markets for Irish-based companies.”

Notes for Editors:

This is the fifth meeting of the Government Trade Forum. This follows the meetings of the Forum chaired by the Tánaiste earlier this year on 26 February, 21 March, 4 April and 28 April.

The members of the Government Trade Forum include relevant government departments and business/sectoral representatives, as follows:

• Department of the Taoiseach
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
• Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine
• Department of Finance
• Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
• Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
• Enterprise Ireland
• IDA Ireland
• Bord Bia
• Tourism Ireland
• Research Ireland
• Ibec
• Irish Exporters Association
• ISME
• American Chamber of Commerce Ireland
• Chambers Ireland
• British Irish Chamber of Commerce
• Irish Congress of Trade Unions
• Irish Farmers’ Association

The Terms of Reference for the Government Trade Forum are to:

• enhance multi-stakeholder policy dialogue to foster a broad understanding of Ireland’s trade opportunities and challenges
• discuss emerging trade policy developments and their implications for Irish sectors
• share expertise to inform Ireland’s trade policy and exchange views on country and regional specific developments; and
• update members on key developments in international trade and their impact on Ireland

ENDS

Press Office

19 May, 2025