The Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has said it is too early to determine how Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs will affect Irish jobs, stressing that any response must first be agreed at a European Union level.
Speaking in the wake of the former US President’s surprise “Liberation Day” tariff announcement — which includes sweeping new 20% duties on EU goods — Minister Donohoe said discussions are ongoing within the EU on how best to respond.
“It's premature to speculate on the direct impact for Irish employment or specific sectors,” the Minister said, adding that coordinated EU action will be key to ensuring a proportionate and effective response.
The comments come amid growing concern that a tit-for-tat trade war could severely damage Ireland’s export-dependent economy, particularly in agri-food and drinks. Several Government ministers have warned in recent days that escalating trade tensions will benefit nobody.
Tánaiste Simon Harris has already urged EU officials to avoid targeting American food and drink brands with counter-tariffs, fearing it could provoke a backlash that might include measures against Irish whiskey — a key export.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin echoed those concerns, warning that aggressive US tariffs could fuel “recessionary trends” across the global economy.
Global markets responded sharply to Trump’s announcement, with stock indexes in Europe and the US tumbling in the hours after the news broke. Analysts fear rising trade barriers could hurt global supply chains and lead to price hikes for consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.
As the EU prepares its response, Irish officials say they will continue to push for a strategy that protects jobs and avoids further escalation.
