Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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28. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update in relation to the position of the Government in relation to potential increased tariffs; and the preparations it is making for same. [66751/25]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Joint Statement on an EU-US Framework Agreement on Reciprocal, Fair and Balanced Trade was published on 21 August. It builds on the political agreement between President von der Leyen and President Trump on 27 July in Scotland and establishes a Framework Agreement to take the EU-US trade and investment partnership forward.

The deal confirmed a single 15% tariff on EU goods, inclusive of current MFN rates. It also made absolutely clear that any new tariffs announced by the US under its Section 232 investigation – including on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors – would be capped at this level.

Importantly, the Joint Statement leaves the door open for negotiation of further tariff reductions. Ireland is now working with the European Commission to see what exemptions can be made in areas of interest for Irish exporters, including spirits and medical devices.

Last Monday I met with Trade Commissioner Šefcovic and my European trade minister counterparts at the Foreign Affairs Council on Trade. Following the meeting there was a working lunch which was also attended by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer. I used the opportunity to highlight the need for the EU and the US to work together towards a new transatlantic trade and investment relationship based on shared values and common goals.

While the Joint Statement provides a degree of stability and certainty, I am also acutely aware of the impact of higher tariffs and the existing difficulties that many Irish exporters have already faced this year, as well as possible implications for the all island economy. In my new role, I will continue to convene meetings of the Government Trade Forum which brings together members from across Government, as well as from bodies representing employers and employees, to discuss US tariffs and the new transatlantic trade and investment relationship.