The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has today (Monday, April 28) updated the Government Trade Forum about his recent trade mission to the United States.

During the trade mission, the minister met with a number of key US political representatives, including Brooke Rollins, secretary of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The Tánaiste, Simon Harris chaired the fourth meeting of the Government Trade Forum today.

The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA), Bord Bia, and other key industry stakeholders attended the meeting.

According to the Tánaiste, there has been "significant developments" with US tariff policy and the EU's response since the forum last met on April 4.

The Tánaiste also updated the forum on his ongoing "close" contact with EU colleagues, and his meeting with the US commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick in Washington DC on April 9.

Speaking after the meeting, the Tánaiste said: "As we know the US announced the suspension of the higher tariffs signalled on April 2 for a period of 90 days. However, the global ‘baseline tariff’ of 10% and sector specific tariffs on steel and aluminium and the automotive sector would remain.

“Ireland’s consistent position remains that we need to get into a substantive, calm, measured and comprehensive dialogue with the United States. This is also position of the EU," he added.

The government forum also presented an opportunity to look ahead to the upcoming EU-UK summit on May 19.

Harris said he believes that there "is scope" for the EU and the UK to look at improving the trade relationship, and removing barriers to trade.

He said: "The forum had an initial discussion on the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification.

"The plan is a key part of the government response to current market turbulence, and is assessing the supports available for Irish businesses to diversify their market outlets and supply chains. It will be completed within the next six weeks."