Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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168. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress in preparing for the impact of any new tariffs on Irish farmers and agrifood producers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25607/25]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I am very conscious that the additional tariff rate of 10% on all imports to the US, in place since 9 April, directly impacts on the competitiveness of Irish agri-food exports on the US market. It makes Irish food and drink products more expensive for US consumers, who I have seen at first hand really value our premium Irish products.

However, the 90 day pause on the US side in relation to the higher tariff rates originally announced on 2 April, along with the EU also pausing its own countermeasures, has created the conditions for meaningful negotiation.

In relation to tariffs, Ireland’s consistent position remains that we need to get into a calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States to avoid damage to our bilateral trade. This is also the position of the EU.

Ireland, as part of the EU, wants to play a constructive role and will continue to be a voice for calm and measured engagement in the time ahead.

The US is the second largest market for Irish agri-food exports after the UK with exports last year valued at almost €2 billion. Indeed, my recent trade mission to the United States offered me an opportunity to highlight the mutual benefit of our trading relationship with the US, and the level of investment by Irish companies in the US market, creating jobs and adding value for local economies.

Meaningful negotiations with the US remain the main focus for both the EU and Ireland. The Commission is fully engaged in discussions with the US and a negotiated solution remains very clearly the goal and the preferred outcome.

At the same time, we understand the need for the EU to undertake further internal preparations in case negotiations are unsuccessful. This is a sensible and measured approach. I would therefore urge stakeholders to engage with the latest EU public consultation process currently underway in relation to possible countermeasures from the EU.

I am committed to working with stakeholders throughout this period. As we have done in the past, we will communicate Irish specific concerns to the Commission.

As part of the Government Trade Forum, I have also engaged in discussions on the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification which will form a key part of the Government response to the current market turbulence. My Department will continue to feed into this Action Plan as it develops.