Trade Sanctions

Thursday, 20 March 2025

Ceisteanna (198)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

198. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contribution the Government has made to the decisions by the EU to retaliate to the threatened US tariffs; the contribution the Government has had to the selection of targets for this retaliation; the selection of US bourbon manufacturers that has put the Irish whiskey sector in danger of further retaliatory tariffs from the US; and the way in which the Government has fed into, contributed or influenced these decisions. [13141/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Deputy Simon Harris)

The EU has taken a decision on limited rebalancing measures in relation to US steel and aluminium tariffs. The Government made clear its sensitivities regarding the inclusion of bourbon and dairy and I welcome that the Commission has removed these products from the list of countermeasures.

The Government welcomed the fact that the US President has announced the suspension of the higher tariffs signalled on 2 April for a period of 90 days. It was equally welcome that Commission President von der Leyen has confirmed that EU countermeasures would be put on hold for 90 days.

Ireland’s consistent position remains that we need a substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States. This is also the position of the EU.

The Government remains in close ongoing contact with EU counterparts, including President von der Leyen and Commissioner Šefcovic, on the evolving situation.