Statement by Taoiseach Micheál Martin on US decision to impose tariffs

"Ireland believes in open and free trade and that the imposition of tariffs is bad for the world economy.

"I deeply regret the US decision to impose 20% tariffs on imports from across the European Union.

"We see no justification for this. More than €4.2 billion worth of goods and services are traded between the EU and the US daily.

"Disrupting this deeply integrated relationship benefits no one. Tariffs drive inflation, hurt people on both sides of the Atlantic, and put jobs at risk.

"We will now reflect with our EU partners on how best to proceed.

"As I agreed with President von der Leyen in our recent phone call, EU unity is crucial, and our response should be considered and measured.

"Any action should be proportionate, aimed at defending the interests of our businesses, workers and citizens.

"Now is a time for dialogue, and I believe that a negotiated way forward is the only sensible one.

"A confrontation is in no one's interests. Ireland will be a strong advocate for an outcome which enhances the existing and strong transatlantic trading relationship.

"As a small, open economy, and as a country that has built our prosperity on a policy of free and fair trade, there is no doubt that the imposition of tariffs by the US will have an adverse impact.

"Ireland's priority is the protection of jobs and our economy. We are starting from a position of strength, and our economy is resilient.

"It is important that we focus on factors that we can control, including improving our competitiveness and investing in infrastructure.

"By working with Irish-owned companies, multinationals, our EU partners and bilaterally with the US, we can and will weather this storm."