Irish Trade Minister Harris: Framework US/EU trade deal unlikely to involve sector-specific areas the US may separately tariff.

Irish Trade Minister Harris: Framework US/EU trade deal unlikely to involve sector-specific areas the US may separately tariff.

Irish Trade Minister Simon Harris has warned that the upcoming US-EU trade deal is unlikely to include sector-specific tariffs, according to sources close to the negotiations. This comes as the European Union and the United States continue to grapple with the potential imposition of 30% tariffs on all EU goods, effective August 1, 2025.

Minister Harris, who is also the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, is expected to issue a warning at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, highlighting the significant impacts a 30% tariff would have on the Irish economy, including potential job losses [2]. The Tánaiste has stated that the EU is focused on reaching a deal to avoid a full-blown trade war with the US.

The EU's chief negotiator, Maros Sefcovic, has warned that a 30% tariff would make it "almost impossible to continue" current transatlantic trade, which is worth €4.4 billion a day [3]. The EU has been preparing extensive countermeasures against the US, including a list of tariffs on €72 billion of American products, which would target politically sensitive goods and industries [1].

The US has proposed a 17% tariff on agricultural products, but the EU is seeking a tariff no higher than 10% on agricultural exports. The EU is also pushing for lower rates on spirits and wines, and for mitigating through quotas the 50% tariffs that Trump has imposed on steel and aluminum [1]. The US has introduced 25% levies on cars and parts, as well as a 50% duty on copper [1].

Any initial framework for a US-EU trade deal would likely cover non-tariff barriers, economic security cooperation, and strategic purchases, but the specific details of the agreement remain uncertain. The EU has been preparing for all scenarios, including the possibility of implementing their countermeasures if negotiations fail [1].

The Irish economy is particularly vulnerable to US tariffs, given its significant trade ties with the US. Minister Harris has stated that the EU must remain calm, united, and prepared for all scenarios, while also engaging with the pharmaceutical industry, which is a key area of concern for Ireland [2].

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-11/a-us-eu-trade-deal-hinges-on-cars-agriculture-and-trump
[2] https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/simon-harris-warns-of-irish-job-losses-if-us-imposes-30-tariffs-1783340.html
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live/trump-tariffs-live-updates-eu-warns-of-big-gap-as-trump-amps-up-threats-on-eu-canada-mexico-200619704.html