Ireland Deputy Prime Minister (Tánaiste) Simon Harris has warned that Ireland is facing a “significant period of turbulence” due to potential trade and tariff disputes with the United States.
Before visiting New York as part of his St Patrick’s Day programme, Harris acknowledged concerns about rising tensions in trade relations.
“I’m frank with the Irish people. I think we’re heading for a significant period of turbulence about trade and tariffs,” Harris said.
However, he expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved through diplomatic engagement, adding, “We will get through it together because every disagreement has to be solved by agreement.”
Harris stressed that tariffs would increase consumer prices in Ireland, Europe, and the United States, calling them “bad” for all parties involved.
His remarks follow comments from IDA chairman Feargal O’Rourke, who described the potential impact of US tariffs as “awful” and warned of a “turbulent” and “tumultuous” year ahead.
Harris’s visit to New York aims to strengthen economic and business opportunities. He expressed satisfaction with the European Union’s efforts to engage intensively with the US to resolve the trade dispute, saying he hoped the period of disagreement would be “as short as possible.”
He added that former President Donald Trump — known for his business mindset — would likely seek a “good deal” that benefits Europe, Ireland, and the US.
Harris confirmed that he will present a Cabinet memo on Wednesday to update ministers on recent trade developments.
He also plans to hold bilateral talks with European trade counterparts to assess the evolving situation.
On Friday, Harris will convene the Government’s Trade Forum to gather key stakeholders, including government departments, state agencies, and business groups, to discuss Ireland’s trade concerns.
Harris engaged with Maros Sefcovic, the European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, during his trip to emphasize the need for ongoing cooperation.
In Philadelphia, Harris called for “calm” and stressed the importance of “intense engagement” between the US and the EU.
“We don’t need to engage in tit-for-tat commentary,” Harris said. “We respect that the President of the United States has a view… and we have a view in the European Union. We want to get down to trying to make progress about this.”
