‘Calm and measured dialogue’ required after Trump tariffs blocked, says Tánaiste

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

The Tánaiste has called for calm dialogue on trade after a US court blocked Donald Trump from imposing sweeping tariffs.

The ruling from the New York-based Court of International Trade came after several lawsuits arguing the US president has exceeded his authority, left American trade policy dependent on his whims and unleashed economic chaos.

The Trump administration is expected to appeal.

Tariffs must typically be approved by the US Congress, but Mr Trump says he has the power to act because the country’s trade deficits amount to a national emergency.

Simon Harris, who is Ireland’s deputy premier and foreign affairs minister, said “calm and measured dialogue” represents the “best way forward” to resolving trade differences between the EU and the US.

“We note the ruling of the US Court of International Trade in relation to tariffs and also the fact that this ruling is being appealed,” the Tánaiste said.

“I want to stress the position once again today that what is required now is for both sides, the EU and the US, to engage in calm and measured dialogue, and to do so in good faith.

“The continuing uncertainty over tariffs is the source of serious concern for businesses, here in Ireland but also across the EU and the US.

“Businesses that are concerned about their cost base, their workers, and their plans to invest.

“We will continue to monitor the implications of the court decision in the US while keeping our main focus on the negotiations at hand.”

It comes after Mr Trump said he will pause his threatened 50 per cent tariffs on the EU until July 9th, following a “very nice call” with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

In April, Mr Trump announced a 20 per cent tariff on EU goods being sold into the US. He later reduced that to 10 per cent until July 9th to allow for time for talks with Brussels on a potential agreement.

On Friday, the president claimed the talks were “going nowhere” and said he was recommending the 50 per cent tariff rate comes into effect on June 1st.

He rowed back on the decision on Monday, claiming Ms von der Leyen called him asking for an extension to the date.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said earlier this week that tariffs are “not good for our economy”.

He added: “It’s absolutely important that we can get a realistic and reasonable deal between Europe and the United States to help consumers, to help citizens across the world.”