Talks rather than tariffs is way to proceed with US, says Harris

By Cate McCurry, PA

The Tánaiste said he believes “talks rather than tariffs” is the sensible way to proceed after US president Donald Trump pledged to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports to the US.

Mr Trump, who announced 25 per cent tariffs on all cars made outside the US, singled out Ireland as he said he wanted to bring “ our” pharmaceutical industry back to the US.

“We don’t make anything here in terms of drugs, different types of drugs that you need, medicines, it’s in other countries, largely made in China, a lot of it made in Ireland,” Mr Trump said in the Oval Office.

“Ireland was very smart, we love Ireland, but we’re gonna have that.”

In a statement, the Tánaiste said he will meet with senior official to “take stock” of the matter when he returned from Lebanon later on Thursday.

“Ireland continues to engage with colleagues across Europe and the United States on the issue of trade policy,” the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement.

“We believe talks rather than tariffs is the sensible way to proceed.

“This week, I spoke again to US Commerce Secretary (Howard) Lutnick and we agreed to stay in touch. I also spoke to EU Trade Commissioner (Maros) Sefcovic and I am in ongoing (talks) 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 April 7 which I will represent Ireland at.”