Tánaiste Simon Harris has not given up on a trade deal with the U.S. even though at the weekend President Trump slapped a 30 percent tariff on EU imports.
The EU has delayed counter measures and is hopeful that an agreement can be reached with the U.S. before the tariffs kick in on August 1.
EU trade Commissioner Maros Šefčovič said the letter from Trump was received with “regret and disappointment… especially considering the advanced stage of our ongoing negotiations."
Responding, the Tánaiste said there was no necessity “to escalate the situation or to further increase the additional tariffs which have been imposed on the EU."
“The government strongly supports the efforts by the European Commission to reach a mutually beneficial agreement with the U.S.,” he said.
“The EU is at the negotiating table and will remain there. Now is the time to redouble our efforts and to seek to achieve positive results in the time available.
“The EU will remain united and focused as negotiations continue between now and 1 August.
“This will also be my continuing focus for the period ahead.
"On Monday I will meet with the U.S. ambassador to Ireland (Edward Walsh) and will continue to engage with colleagues across the EU in the days ahead. I also intend on updating colleagues further at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.”
