Trump's latest tariff announcement is deeply regrettable, Harris says

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Tánaiste Simon Harris has described an announcement from Donald Trump that the European Union and Mexico will face a 30 per cent tariff on imports to the US from August as “deeply regrettable”.

The US president warned he would impose even higher import taxes if either of the US trading partners decided to retaliate.

A statement on behalf of the Tánaiste said: “Simon Harris has taken note of the letter issued by the US today.

“This is deeply regrettable.

“He shares in the disappointment expressed by President (Ursula) Von Der Leyen and Commissioner (Maros) Sefcovic, with whom he remains in close contact.”

Mr Harris said: “There is no necessity to escalate the situation or to further increase the additional tariffs which have been imposed on the EU.

“The Government strongly supports the efforts by the European Commission to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with the US.

“The EU is at the negotiating table and will remain there.

“Now is the time to redouble our efforts and to seek to achieve positive results in the time available.

“The EU will remain united and focused as negotiations continue between now and 1 August.

“This will also be my continuing focus for the period ahead.

“On Monday I will meet with the US ambassador to Ireland and will continue to engage with colleagues across the EU in the days ahead. I also intend on updating colleagues further at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.”

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the EU neogtiators continued to have his full support and the issue should be resolved by “close and respectful dialogue.”

In a statement on Saturday afternoon, the Taoiseach said: “The EU, through the team led by President von der Leyen and Vice-President Šefčovič, has engaged in good faith to reach an agreement on a positive and balanced way forward.

“While it has been clear that all options remain on the table, the EU has also been clear that our preference is for a negotiated solution that avoids escalation. That remains the case.

“I hope that negotiations will continue in the weeks ahead and that they will be successful.

“The EU and the US should be partners, not rivals. In a true partnership, everyone wins.

“The EU negotiators continue to have my full support in this important work.”