Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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259. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the risks to the Irish economy with the European Union’s announcement of a new list of US goods that could face tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27805/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Ireland’s consistent position remains that we need substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States. This is also the position of the EU, which has shared a constructive proposal for scoping out a negotiation between the two sides. It is a positive step that the President of the Commission, and the US President spoke by telephone this weekend which has given added impetus to the negotiations.

The Government notes the recent federal court ruling in the US that some of the tariffs imposed by the US administration exceed presidential authority. The US administration is appealing this ruling.

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. It should be remembered that to date the EU has not imposed any tariffs on the US while EU and Irish exporters are subject to an additional 10% tariff on exports.

On 8 May, the Commission published its draft list of proposed of re-balancing measures against the US. The list concerns imports from the US to the EU worth €95bn, covering a broad range of industrial and agricultural products. In addition to the list of proposed re-balancing measures, the Commission has published a much shorter list of EU goods exported to the US worth €4.4bn, which may be subject to potential export restrictions. A public consultation is open for comment until 10 June.

Through a High-Level Group on EU Policy, officials from across all Government Departments are working to understand the potential risks to the Irish economy. My officials and I are also engaging with business stakeholders to understand potential impacts, including through the Government Trade Forum. We will continue to convey these to the European Commission and we urge stakeholders to participate in the EU’s public consultation directly.

I welcome engagement between President von der Leyen and President Trump over the weekend. I note the federal court ruling in the US that some of the tariffs imposed by the US administration exceed presidential authority and that the US administration is appealing this ruling. Much uncertainty remains and a number of points remain unclear. What is clear however is that the EU and Ireland will continue to do everything possible to reach a negotiated mutually beneficial agreement with the US.