**Washington DC**: Taoiseach Micheal Martin warns that proposed US tariffs on EU alcoholic beverages could jeopardise the success of the Irish whiskey industry in the competitive American market, urging strategic negotiations with the European Commission amidst escalating trade tensions between the EU and US.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has expressed significant concern regarding the potential impact of US tariffs on alcoholic beverages imported from the European Union, particularly emphasising the implications for the Irish whiskey industry. During his visit to Washington DC for the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations, which concluded recently, Mr Martin warned that the tariffs constitute “a very serious issue,” capable of undermining the substantial gains made by Irish whiskey brands in the competitive US market.
Mr Martin highlighted the extraordinary growth the Irish whiskey sector has experienced, noting its importance not just for Ireland but for several other EU member states as well. Speaking on Friday, he stated, “Irish whiskey has enjoyed an extraordinary growth into the American market,” and underscored the necessity of engaging with the European Commission to address the tariff issue.
The backdrop to Mr Martin’s comments included a recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, where the topic of trade was at the forefront. Mr Trump expressed admiration for Ireland, stating, “I do not want to do anything to hurt Ireland”, yet stressed the need for “fairness” in trade relations. The ongoing EU-US trade tensions have escalated, as the European Commission announced retaliatory measures against new US tariffs on steel and aluminium, introducing tariffs on various American goods including bourbon whiskey.
In response, President Trump threatened to impose a 200 per cent tax on imported alcoholic beverages from the EU, a move that has raised alarm within the Irish drinks sector. Mr Martin said, “I think Europe has to be strategic in this, because Europe actually enjoys a surplus in these products, in terms of the trade in spirits.” He further elaborated, stating, “None of this is easy…once tariffs and counter tariffs start, it’s not good, and it can damage certain sectors of the economy.”
In addition to the trade concerns, Mr Martin addressed domestic issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and energy consumption. He urged a “step up” in investment in AI, while also calling for a less critical view of data centres, which have faced scrutiny for high energy use. He correlated the rise of AI with the need for a more nuanced discussion regarding data centres and their energy demands, stating, “I understand the data centre issue – it’s consuming huge amounts of energy.”
The Taoiseach acknowledged the challenges facing Ireland between 2025 and 2030 concerning energy supply but expressed optimism about future offshore wind projects that could alleviate energy shortages.
Throughout the week, Mr Martin’s engagements included the Friends of Ireland luncheon at the U.S. Capitol, a breakfast meeting at the Vice President’s residence, and a fireside chat at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. The visit aimed to bolster relations with the new US administration, following a series of diplomatic efforts at coinciding events for St Patrick’s Day.
Notably, the trip was marked by a disruption at the Ireland Funds gala dinner, where members of the Burke family from County Mayo briefly interrupted proceedings before being removed. Additionally, Mr Martin addressed remarks from Israel’s ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, who accused him of antisemitism, stating it was “absurd” to label someone antisemitic for advocating UN principles in the Middle East.
As the Taoiseach concluded his diplomatic mission, he was set to participate in private engagements before returning to Ireland, with a clear aim to strengthen Ireland’s position in both trade and international relations amid the evolving dynamics with the US.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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