Taoiseach ‘hopeful’ of EU-US deal as tariff deadline pushed back

By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Taoiseach remains “hopeful” that the EU can reach a deal with the US on tariffs, as the Trump administration pushed back a deadline for increased rates.

Micheál Martin said both sides continue to negotiate the “fine detail” of future arrangements.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Monday that US President Donald Trump would be delaying an increase to the baseline 10 per cent tariff rate to August 1st.

Countries had been working to a Wednesday deadline to make a new deal with the Trump administration.

Speaking to the media after a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday, Mr Martin said: “We remain hopeful that the US and the European Union can agree an outline agreement or framework principle agreement this week.

“There’s still a number of issues to negotiated, nothing has been rejected, definitively.

“But what it does illustrate, though, that even if a framework agreement is arrived at, there would be a lot of negotiations subsequently.

“So therefore, whilst it would create some degree of clarity in terms of where we are in the short term, there would still be a number of issues outstanding in respect of that trade issue between the European Union and the United States and indeed between other countries.”

Mr Martin said he supported the Commission’s position that an agreement should be reached to provide certainty to consumers, businesses and industry.

Asked if he expected a 10 per cent baseline tariff to remain in place, the Taoiseach said: “There are certain realities that probably will emerge from this that will have impact – and are having impact – on a number of sectors.

“But at least it gives us some sense of the landscape that we have to deal with.”

After the tariff deadline was pushed back, Tánaiste Simon Harris said this would give further time for the EU and US to reach an agreement in principle on a “mutually beneficial agreement that works for both sides”.

In a statement, he said: “However, it remains the position of the EU and the Irish Government that we would like to conclude discussions on a trade agreement before August 1.”

Mr Harris added: “I remain cautiously optimistic about reaching agreement in principle on a Framework Agreement.

“I want to be clear that while it is likely there will be some form of tariffs going forward, their imposition even at a lower rate is bad for consumers, jobs, economic growth and investment.”

Ireland has consistently called for zero-for-zero tariffs in as many areas as possible.

The remaining uncertainty around pharmaceuticals remains a significant cause of concern.

Mr Harris said: “My hope is that in the coming days and weeks both sides can work intensively and constructively to bring about an agreement.”