Government Trade Forum to meet as higher US tariffs loom
Tánaiste Simon Harris has convened a meeting of Ireland’s Trade Forum for next week with a specific focus on protecting Irish jobs and the economy.
The meeting will take place next Wednesday, July 2, a week out from the scheduled lifting of the pause on higher import tariffs by the US.
The Tánaiste, who is also the Minister for Trade, met the Italian Trade Minister in Brussels on Monday and has spoken with his New Zealand counterpart this morning (Wednesday, June 25).
The US administration has set July 9 as the deadline for the imposition of increased tariffs on the EU unless a deal is reached.
In light of the looming deadline, the Tánaiste said a meeting of the Government’s Trade Forum will take place next week, with the agenda focussed solely on jobs and protecting Ireland’s economy.
“There are less than two weeks to go until we reach the deadline set by US President Donald Trump for a deal to be struck with the EU," Minister Harris said.
“I intend to further intensify my work on trying to be a constructive voice for a deal between the EU and the US that is good for both and crucially for Ireland and people’s jobs in Ireland.
“In recent days I have been talking with President Trump’s US Trade Representative and the EU Trade Commissioner."
The US has already imposed an additional tariff of 10% on most EU exports, including from Ireland, and presented this as a new baseline.
The Tánaiste said that this is concerning, as "even that level of tariff is challenging for many sectors of the economy".
“This was something I discussed with many of my European colleagues in Brussels this week," he said.
“Tariffs should always be seen as what they are: bad for business, bad for jobs, bad for investment and bad for growth.
“Over the next two weeks, I will continue to stress the importance of reaching a deal to avoid any further negative impact on economies not only in the EU, but the US also, and making the case for zero for zero tariffs in as many areas as possible."
The Tánaiste stressed that the coming days are "crucial", as the Government seeks a "deal and certainty for our country and for jobs and investment in Ireland".
The Government Trade Forum, established in February 2025 and chaired by the Tánaiste, comprises government ministers, state agencies, business organisations, trade unions and other representative groups.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Bord Bia, and the Irish Farmers’ Association are members of the forum.
