'We need an agreement': Tánaiste Harris calls on EU to reach tariff deal with US
TÁNAISTE AND TRADE minister Simon Harris has backed calls for the EU and US to reach a zero-tariff trade agreement, as the deadline quickly approaches.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to
impose a 50% tariff on 9 July if the EU cannot secure a deal
. Negotiations, at the time, had stalled, but European leaders say there has been a positive change and remain ongoing.
Posting to social media, Harris said the trade relationship between the EU and US is mutually beneficial and that negotiators should reach a zero-for-zero tariff deal – amid reports that a 10% US tariff will be set as a new baseline.
Advertisement
He said that he would convene the government's trade group on Wednesday. It comes as enterprise minister Peter Burke told an Irish trade mission to Japan that he believes there are parameters for a deal, the Sunday Independent reports.
Burke said that negotiators are eager to reach a deal. Speaking in Brussels this week, Ireland's European Commissioner Michael McGrath said he believes an 'outline' of a deal can be achieved.
McGrath, a former finance minister, said that every commission is in some way involved in trade policy leaders' Maroš Šefčovič's work to reach a deal. Asked about reports of a flat 10% rate, he said the EU is 'not conceding' that any tariff level is a new baseline.
Should a mutual agreement not be reached, the EU has said it will impose its countermeasures on the US on 14 July.
There are
serious concerns that the US's response to the EU's countermeasures could impact Ireland's lucrative aviation, pharma, drinks and agri-food industries
.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Colin Sheridan: A reflection on the Irish sporting landscape in the summer of 2000
A quarter of a century ago, in the summer of 2000, the Irish sporting landscape was a bit of a desert. The odd oasis gave hope of the better tomorrows that would come, but, with an Olympic Games in Sydney offering the chance of, perhaps, two medals at best, we are talking about times of great austerity, which is ironic, because it was right about then that Irish banks started doling out credit cards like communion wafers. This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Take us with you this summer. Annual €130€65 Best value Monthly €12€6 / month
RTÉ News
2 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Former tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald joins consultancy firm Teneo
Former tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald has joined consultancy firm, Teneo as a senior advisory. The former Fine Gael TD and MEP will also join the Teneo Ireland advisory board, which is chaired by Gary McGann and also includes former Ireland rugby captain, Brian O'Driscoll. Teneo said the appointment "deepens the firm's expertise in Government and public affairs". The firm said Ms Fitzgerald will help advise the firm's clients and support the growth of its business in Ireland and Europe. Michael O'Keeffe, CEO of Teneo Ireland, said: "Frances Fitzgerald brings unmatched experience and insight into Irish public life. Her leadership at the highest levels of government and her deep understanding of policymaking – both nationally and in Europe – make her an invaluable addition to our advisory team. We are delighted to welcome her to Teneo, under the stewardship of global CEO Paul Keary, and to the Teneo Ireland Advisory Board. Ms Fitzgerald said, "Having served in Cabinet during a period of major social and economic transformation, I hope to bring that experience to bear in helping leaders navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead."
Irish Examiner
4 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Port of Cork set to open €100m deepwater berth dedicated to offshore energy development
The Port of Cork is poised to become the first port in the Republic to deliver dedicated quay facilities for the offshore renewable energy sector through a new €100m development. The 200-metre long CORE1 (Cork Offshore Renewable Energy 1) deepwater berth at Ringaskiddy East will be ready for use by October, port officials have said. It will have the length, depth, and load-bearing capacities required by companies that will build the large-scale offshore wind farms proposed for the Irish and Celtic seas. However, the Port of Cork Company has said it will need additional land and funding to provide the full range of dedicated quayside facilities that the sector requires if it is to help Ireland achieve its ambitious targets to create at least 37GW of offshore renewable energy generation capacity by 2050 — about six times our current peak electricity demand. The port company set out its progress on offshore renewable energy infrastructure for EU Commissioner Michael McGrath and his officials during a visit to the CORE1 project, which is being co-financed by the EU to the tune of some €38m. 'It would not have happened without a grant from the EU,' the port's commercial officer Conor Mowlds said. 'But there are challenges facing the port now after handing over 30-acres for offshore renewable energy (ORE). "However, Cork has the potential to become the centre of gravity to support Ireland's ORE sector — similar to what happened to Aberdeen during the North Sea oil boom.' Mr McGrath said that, given the scale of EU funding involved, he wanted to see the project first-hand and be briefed on where it fits within the Port of Cork's overall capital development ambitions. 'They have very ambitious plans for the years ahead, which will have to be brought forward in a phased manner and will require extensive consultation with the local community, statutory processes will have to be followed, and then funding packages put together," he said.
