MEP: EU must remain 'global champion of fair and open trade'
An Irish MEP has urged the European Union to stay united and firm in defence of free trade in response to US President Donald Trump's expected announcement of new tariffs on European exports.
Seán Kelly MEP, leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, made the comments as the White House is currently considering placing tariffs of around 20% on most imports.
President Trump has been promoting tomorrow (Wednesday, April 2) as “Liberation Day” in America, as part of his administration's economic plans.
MEP Kelly said that tariffs are "bad for businesses, bad for workers, and bad for consumers on both sides of the Atlantic".
“Rather than retreating into protectionism, the EU must lead by example and remain the global champion of fair and open trade.
"We cannot allow short-term political moves in Washington to dictate our economic future," he said.
Kelly added that tariffs only serve to drive inflation and disrupt well-established supply chains.
“We see no justification for the imposition of tariffs on EU exports.
"If President Trump proceeds, the EU will have no choice but to take measured, proportionate action to defend European businesses and workers. However, our ultimate goal must be dialogue, not escalation," he said.
The US is Ireland’s largest export market, with €72.6 billion worth of goods exported in 2024 alone.
80% of Ireland’s pharmaceutical exports to the US consist of components essential to American manufacturers.
Around €1.9 billion worth of Irish agri-food exports would be threatened by these tariffs if they come into effect.
“These tariffs would not only hurt Irish companies but also disrupt US supply chains, leading to higher costs for American businesses and consumers alike,” Kelly said.
The Ireland South MEP also warned against the dangers of a "tit-for-tat trade war".
“We cannot afford an escalating cycle of retaliation. Ireland has benefited enormously from global trade, and any move towards economic nationalism will ultimately damage growth and investment.
"The EU must push for negotiation while ensuring our interests are safeguarded. The stakes are high, but Europe must show leadership.
"Ireland will stand with its fellow EU member states and will push for a solution that maintains stability and protects jobs, while making it clear that unjustified tariffs cannot go unanswered," he said.
Kelly has also urged the EU to proactively pursue new trade agreements to strengthen economic resilience, including the stalled EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
