The European Commission must employ strategic diplomacy and negotiations to avoid a catastrophic transatlantic trade war, MEP Maria Walsh has said.
As the clock ticks towards April 2nd, MEP Walsh has warned that thousands of jobs in Ireland’s pharmaceutical and agri-food and drinks sectors hang in the balance due to potential US tariffs.
MEP Walsh requested specific speaking time on the issue of US tariffs during Monday’s plenary session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, being the only Irish MEP to speak on the topic. MEP Walsh is a member of the Parliament’s Delegation to the US and is also a US-born citizen.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“The next 24 hours have the potential to define the Irish economy for years to come. Ireland is arguably the single most exposed EU member state to a transatlantic trade war, given our heavy reliance on exports to the US in two key industries; the pharmaceutical and agri-food and drinks sectors.
“In 2023 alone, we exported around €36bn worth of pharmaceuticals and chemicals to the US, while the jobs of 50,000 Irish workers are dependent on the sector. The total value of Irish drinks in the US market was €865mn in 2024, with the Irish brewing and distilling industries employing 10,000 people across the island of Ireland.
“While the words and language of President Trump enrage many, the EU must avoid retaliatory actions that are damaging to European business and workers, and focus on reaching a negotiated agreement with the US. A trade war is not a fait accompli. The EU successfully avoided tariffs in 2018 – we must do the same again in 2025.
“To put it in terms familiar to President Trump: for the next 24 hours, workers and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic will be watching closely, focused on the real “art of the deal.” Ultimately, we must ensure that, through our strong actions and careful words, trade remains a bridge – not a battleground.”
