Ireland’s PM ‘hopeful’ of EU-US tariff deal before July 9 deadline

Mohan Sinha
09 Jul 2025, 18:57 GMT+10

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed cautious optimism that the European Union and the United States can strike a deal on tariffs ahead of the July 9 deadline
He said both sides are still negotiating the “fine detail” of a future trade framework amid pressure from the Trump administration, which has threatened to raise tariffs significantly from the current 10 percent rate
Speaking after a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Martin said she had briefed him on the “most up-to-date situation” and that no proposals had been definitively rejected

DUBLIN, Ireland: Taoiseach Micheál Martin has expressed cautious optimism that the European Union and the United States can strike a deal on tariffs ahead of the July 9 deadline.

He said both sides are still negotiating the "fine detail" of a future trade framework amid pressure from the Trump administration, which has threatened to raise tariffs significantly from the current 10 percent rate.

Speaking after a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Martin said she had briefed him on the "most up-to-date situation" and that no proposals had been definitively rejected.

"We remain hopeful that the US and the EU can agree on an outline or principle-based agreement this week," Martin said. "There are still a number of issues to negotiate, but if we reach a framework, it will offer some clarity in the short term—even though further talks will be needed to settle outstanding matters."

He added that while a framework deal would be a step forward, it would not eliminate all uncertainty, particularly regarding long-term trade arrangements between the EU, US, and other global partners.

Martin supported the European Commission's approach, saying a deal would bring much-needed certainty to businesses, consumers, and industry.

Asked about the possibility of the 10 percent baseline tariff remaining in place, the Taoiseach acknowledged the likely impact on several sectors: "There are certain realities that will probably emerge from this and are already affecting different industries. But at least we'll have a clearer picture of the trade landscape going forward."

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