Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement today, Thursday, March 27, after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on imports of automobiles and certain automobile parts.
While announcing the new auto tariffs on Wednesday, Trump mentioned Ireland when teasing forthcoming tariffs on pharmaceuticals.
Trump also said "another round" will be announced on April 2. According to Politico on Wednesday, EU countries are "likely to face a flat, double-digit tariff on all goods." Politico added Trump has also promised separate tariffs on five industries, including pharmaceutical products.
On Thursday, the Tánaiste said in a statement: "Ireland continues to engage with colleagues across Europe and the United States on the issue of trade policy.
"We believe talks rather than tariffs is the sensible way to proceed.
"This week, I spoke again to US Commerce Secretary Lutnick and we agreed to stay in touch. I also spoke to EU Trade Commissioner Šefcovič and I am in ongoing contact with him and his team. I have had conversations with many of my European counterparts.
"When I arrive back in Dublin from Lebanon today, I will be meeting senior officials to further take stock.
"The European Union wants to sit down with the US and reach agreement on a trade relationship that works for everyone because trade is good for jobs, growth and all our economies. This is what needs to happen.
"I welcome that there will also be a special EU Trade Council on the 7th April which I will represent Ireland at."
Ireland continues to engage with colleagues across Europe and the United States on the issue of trade policy.
We believe talks rather than tariffs is the sensible way to proceed.
My full statement. pic.twitter.com/DRlBCtvCgB
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) March 27, 2025
In a separate statement on Thursday released via Fine Gael, party leader Harris said that in light of the pending "economic shock," it is "absolutely critical" that the Dáil be functioning properly.
This comes after chaotic scenes erupted in the Dáil on Tuesday amid the speaking rights row, which has led to a motion of no confidence in the Ceann Comhairle being drafted by Opposition leaders.
“Next week, the United States will announce further tariffs on the European Union," Harris said in his statement via Fine Gael on Thursday.
"The European Union will then consider how to respond. We are entering a time of major uncertainty.
“A worsening trade dispute can only be negative and will require intensive work and engagement in Ireland and the EU and between the EU and the US.
“This economic shock will materialise at a critical juncture for Europe with a war on the continent continuing, and our ability to defend ourselves in the face of increased threats posing great challenge.
“In Ireland, we continue to face housing shortages and infrastructure deficits.
“Given the challenges facing this country and our continent, it is absolutely critical our national parliament, the Dáil can function.
“The scenes across Tuesday and Wednesday bring politics into disrepute. The aggressive behaviour towards the Ceann Comhairle is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. Refusing to respect the Chair of the Dáil or the outcome of a vote in the Dáil is not how our democracy works.
“This has gone on too long. The people deserve better.
“Fine Gael will vote confidence in the Ceann Comhairle to uphold her duties in a fair and impartial manner without fear or favour.
“I would encourage all members of the Oireachtas to reflect on their actions over recent days. The country needs a functioning Dáil and politicians who are proportionate in their response to disagreement. This week’s scenes have been anything but proportionate.”
Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, responded to Trump's auto tariff announcement on Wednesday, saying she "deeply regrets" the US decision.
"As I have said before, tariffs are taxes – bad for businesses, worse for consumers equally in the US and the European Union," von der Leyen said.
"We will now assess this announcement, together with other measures the US is envisaging in the next days.
"The EU will continue to seek negotiated solutions, while safeguarding its economic interests.
"As a major trading power and a strong community of 27 Member States, we will jointly protect our workers, businesses and consumers across our European Union."
Early on Thursday morning, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform: "If the European Union works with Canada in order to do economic harm to the USA, large scale Tariffs, far larger than currently planned, will be placed on them both in order to protect the best friend that each of those two countries has ever had!"
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