Tánaiste Simon Harris has warned that 10% tariffs on most Irish exports to the United States may become the “new normal” as a key government trade forum met in Dublin on Tuesday to address escalating transatlantic trade tensions.
The meeting comes just one week before the scheduled expiry of a temporary pause on increased tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Without a new agreement, the current 10% duties on a wide range of Irish goods could remain in place indefinitely.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr. Harris emphasised the importance of securing a “zero-for-zero” trade deal in key sectors between the EU and the U.S., but acknowledged that progress has been limited. “We cannot ignore the fact that every single day the trading relationship between the EU and the US is worth more than €4 billion,” he said.
The Government’s trade forum — which includes senior ministers, State agencies, business leaders, and trade unions — is examining both the short- and long-term impacts of the tariffs. It also aims to develop strategies to mitigate the economic fallout and support diversification into new markets.
At present, most Irish exports to the U.S. are subject to the 10% levy, but crucial sectors such as pharmaceuticals and semiconductor manufacturing remain exempt under temporary arrangements. Those exemptions had been part of an EU-U.S. effort to reach a broader trade deal, which now appears increasingly unlikely.
The forum also received an updated economic assessment of the tariffs’ potential impact from Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe. Early estimates suggest that prolonged tariffs could weigh on export-led growth and squeeze profit margins for key Irish industries reliant on the American market.
Another key item on the agenda was Ireland’s computer chip strategy. As global competition in the semiconductor sector intensifies, the Government is keen to protect this high-value industry from trade disruptions. Officials say safeguarding access to the U.S. market will be vital for Ireland’s growing chip manufacturing base.
In parallel, the forum discussed efforts to help Irish businesses reduce their reliance on the American market by expanding into Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Harris expressed hope that continued dialogue with EU partners and U.S. officials could result in tariff relief for key sectors. “We are not giving up on achieving as close to zero tariffs as possible,” he said.
The outcome of this forum will shape Ireland’s trade policy in the coming months, as businesses brace for a shifting landscape in global commerce.
