Heydon: Ireland and EU want to avoid 'escalating tit-for tat tariffs'
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Maine, Martin Heydon has said that any reaction to tariffs will be motivated by protecting the interests of European and Irish businesses, workers, and consumers from "unjustified measures".
In response to questions raised by the Fine Gael TDs, Grace Boland and Colm Burke on the need for supports for farmers and Irish food producers because of tariffs, Minister Heydon acknowledged that tariffs would "pose significant challenges for Irish exporters of agri-food products to the US".
Minister Heydon said: "In relation to Irish food and drink sector concerns, while engagement on trade issues takes place between the EU Commission and the US, I can assure you that the commission is aware of Irish concerns and those of other member states.
"Ireland and the European Union want to avoid a series of escalating tit-for tat tariffs.
"Ireland’s view on tariffs is clear. They are economically counterproductive and would disrupt deeply integrated transatlantic supply chains," he added.
The minister is also set to lead a trade mission to the US next month.
According to the minister, the US is the second largest market for Irish agri-food exports, with exports last year valued at almost €2 billion.
He said: "As a small, open exporting economy, Ireland is sensitive to any change in global trading conditions. Therefore, any imposition of tariffs by the U.S. authorities will, if enacted, have the potential to pose significant challenges for Irish exporters of agri-food products to the US.
"My department continues to work in close coordination with the European Union, other Irish government departments and industry stakeholders to fully understand the potential impacts."
Minister Heydon has also urged stakeholders to engage with the European Union public consultation process, which is currently underway, regarding potential countermeasures.
Meanwhile in a media interview earlier today, Minister Heydon also said the only way to negotiate is "from a position of strength".
"Our strength is at the heart of Europe.
"Our dealings with these issues is not to allow the US or anyone else to pick us off one item at a time.
"We’re mindful of the fact that Europe doesn’t want to be in this position. It doesn’t want to be coming with a counter list. We have to come with a list of measures that will have an impact in the US, and make them come to the table," he added.
