Taoiseach Micheál Martin has confirmed the Irish Government is actively working to resolve significant outstanding trade issues with the United States, following the broader EU-US agreement reached last year.
Ongoing Challenges for Key Irish Sectors
Speaking to journalists outside Government Buildings in Dublin on Tuesday 13 January 2026, Mr Martin acknowledged that while the 2025 pact stabilised the overall situation, it remains challenging for a considerable number of domestic industries. The EU and US reached their agreement in July and August 2025, within the context of President Donald Trump's tariff regime on imports.
The Taoiseach stated that the focus remains on sustained dialogue with the US administration to iron out these persistent problems. The issues stem from a series of "Section 232" investigations launched by the Trump administration, which assess the impact of imports on American national security.
Industries in the Crosshairs
The sectors under scrutiny are wide-ranging and critical to the Irish and European economies. They include:
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- Semiconductors and robotics
- Drones, wind turbines, and commercial aircraft
- Critical minerals and timber
Parallel to this, the European Union is still negotiating for permanent US tariff exemptions on steel and aluminium products. Irish politicians have also been pushing for a specific carve-out to protect exports of wines and spirits from punitive duties.
St Patrick's Day Diplomatic Mission Looms
Mr Martin is expected to continue these discussions in person during his traditional St Patrick's Day visit to the White House in March, where a meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office is anticipated. The Taoiseach cautioned that preparations for the trip are in the "early days".
Last year's meeting between the two leaders was notably extensive, featuring a 50-minute engagement with reporters where the tariff dispute was a key topic.
When questioned on other potential diplomatic strains, specifically regarding reported US territorial ambitions for Greenland, the Taoiseach expressed hope for a resolution. "There is a clear basis for doing that and I look forward to that happening," he said.
The Irish government's immediate priority, however, remains shielding its vital export industries from the ongoing fallout of US trade policy, ensuring the benefits of the EU-US agreement are fully realised on the ground.
