The threat of US tariffs on alcoholic beverages is “a very serious problem”, according to Prime Minister Michael Martin.
The Prime Minister noted that Irish whiskey production had benefited from “significant growth” in the US market, and that the tariff dispute could negatively impact certain sectors of the Irish economy.
He stressed that Europe “must act strategically” in response to mutual trade disagreements with US President Donald Trump.
“Irish whiskey has achieved incredible success in the American market,” Mr. Martin said on Friday.
“We are now going to be actively cooperating with the Commission on this issue because this is a serious issue not only for Ireland but also for other countries in the European Union.”
Mr Martin spoke on the final full day of his annual US tour in Washington, DC, to coincide with St Patrick's Day.
This year's diplomatic event was overshadowed by the looming threat of a trade war between the EU and the US.
There has been growing concern in Ireland that the new US administration's protectionist policies could threaten the Irish economy, which relies heavily on long-term investment from US multinationals.
During a meeting with Mr Martin at the White House on Wednesday, Mr Trump expressed his “affection” for Ireland and said Dublin was “of course” using the US for its own interests.
The US President said he did not want to “take any action that would harm Ireland”, adding that trade relations between the countries should be based on “fairness”.
During the prime minister's meeting with Trump on Wednesday, the European Commission announced its retaliatory measures to the 25 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed by the United States.
The previously suspended tariffs will affect a variety of U.S. products from April, including boats, bourbon and motorcycles, according to the report.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
