Tánaiste convenes second meeting of the Government Trade Forum

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, chaired the second meeting of the new Government Trade Forum today.

The meeting, attended by key Government Ministers, was an opportunity to update business stakeholders and discuss their feedback on the latest trade developments.

The Tánaiste reiterated Ireland’s view on tariffs; they are economically counterproductive and would disrupt deeply integrated supply chains, which benefit businesses and employers on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Tánaiste also updated the Forum on his recent discussions with EU Trade Commissioner, Maros Šefčovič, and meetings with senior business and political interlocutors in the US during his St Patrick’s Day visit to Philadelphia and New York.

The Tánaiste said: “The EU-US trade and investment relationship is the biggest in the world. More than €4.2 billion worth of goods and services are traded between the EU and US daily. Ireland is at the heart of the transatlantic trading relationship. Our view remains that we should strengthen this deeply integrated relationship, not disrupt it with tariffs that will drive inflation and hurt all sides.

“We regret the US decision to impose tariffs on steel, aluminium and derivative products from the EU and other trade partners, effective from 12 March last. We see no justification for the imposition of tariffs on EU exports. This leaves the EU with no choice but to take the necessary proportionate action to defend the interests of European businesses, workers and citizens.

“I welcome the proportionate but firm response from the European Commission and the initiative to delay the imposition of the proposed counter-tariffs to create space for dialogue. This is the correct thing to do and it is my firm view that this opportunity for negotiation must be seized. Ireland’s input to this issue will be firmly as part of the EU and in collaboration with other member states and the Commission.”

The Trade Forum also received a comprehensive presentation by the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe on a report just released by his department and the ESRI on the potential macroeconomic effects of tariffs on the Irish economy.

Commenting on this analysis the Tánaiste said: “Trade policy uncertainty is exceptionally high, with the prospect of tariffs being imposed on transatlantic trade. Government has taken careful note of this report, which is yet another reminder that there are no winners when tariffs are applied.

“Today’s Forum was an important opportunity to meet with key stakeholders across Government and business to discuss recent developments. We will continue to remain in close contact with all stakeholders and our EU partners as this develops. Every opportunity for negotiation must be used and Ireland will be strong advocates for an outcome which enhances the existing and strong transatlantic trading relationship.”

The European Commission has announced a public stakeholder consultation process in respect of the EU’s response to US tariffs on EU Steel and Aluminium.

This is the second meeting of the Government Trade Forum. The Tánaiste chaired the inaugural meeting of the Forum on 26 February 2025.

The members of the Government Trade Forum include relevant government departments and business/sectoral representatives, as follows:

• Department of the Taoiseach
• Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment
• Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine
• Department of Finance
• Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
• Enterprise Ireland
• IDA Ireland
• Bord Bia
• Tourism Ireland
• Research Ireland
• Ibec
• Irish Exporters Association
• ISME
• American Chamber of Commerce Ireland
• Chambers Ireland
• British Irish Chamber of Commerce

The Terms of Reference for the Government Trade Forum are:

• enhance multi-stakeholder policy dialogue to foster a broad understanding of Ireland’s trade opportunities and challenges
• discuss emerging trade policy developments and their implications for Irish sectors
• share expertise to inform Ireland’s trade policy and exchange views on country and regional specific developments; and
• update members on key developments in international trade and their impact on Ireland