The Tánaiste has called upcoming EU-US trade talks “vital,” warning that “there isn’t an hour to lose” in making the most of a temporary pause in tariffs, reports Breaking News.
EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic is heading to Washington on Sunday for discussions with US officials.
This follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 90-day suspension of US tariffs, which the EU has matched by halting its own retaliatory measures, reports Breaking News.
Speaking in Athlone, the Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister stressed the importance of using this pause effectively.
“This weekend is critical, and time is of the essence with only a 90-day window,” he said.
“But those three months will pass quickly, and it’s crucial that strong engagement takes place now between the EU and the US, reports Breaking News.
“I welcome the fact that my EU colleague is travelling to Washington to meet with US counterparts. This ceasefire is a positive step — and a necessary one.”
“However, it’s worth remembering this truce happens in a tense climate.
“Tariffs of 10 per cent are still in place on European goods, and 25 per cent remain on UK cars, steel, and aluminium, all while trade tensions between the US and China persist, reports Breaking News.
“That can’t be good for the global economy. So it’s essential to make use of this break for the benefit of people across Ireland, Europe, and America who are calling for a resolution.
“Europe never sought this dispute. We’ve always pushed for a calm and constructive approach, reports Breaking News.
“We’ve said talks should come before tariffs. It’s unfortunate the US imposed measures first, but we must deal with the situation as it is. That’s why this weekend is so important for formal discussions between both sides. I’ll also attend the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg on Monday to meet other EU ministers,” reports Breaking News.
He added that Ireland’s own experience proves the value of working within the EU.
“By standing with Europe, we ensured industries like dairy and whiskey were taken into account when the EU first responded,” reports Breaking News.
Earlier, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said the Eurozone would use the 90-day pause as a chance to work “constructively” with the US.
Mr Donohoe welcomed the US decision, calling it a key opportunity to explore different solutions.
Speaking from Warsaw, where he is chairing a Eurogroup meeting, Mr Donohoe said Europe would aim to find a more positive path forward, reports Breaking News.
He said: “We’ll respond to future developments from the US in due course.
“But we welcome this temporary pause — it gives us a chance to find alternatives to policies that risk slower growth, higher inflation, and setbacks to the progress we’ve made, reports Breaking News.
“In Europe, we want to avoid that outcome, and the next few weeks will be about engaging with the US to address the underlying trade issues.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers warned that rising tensions between the US and China are a serious threat to global stability, reports Breaking News.
His comments came after China announced it would raise tariffs on US goods to 125 per cent, in response to new US tariff hikes.
Speaking in Dublin, Mr Chambers said such developments would have knock-on effects across the EU, reports Breaking News.
“The EU is working to cushion the impact during this uncertain period,” he said.
“But the broader trend is a risk to international trade and economic health,” reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
