Taoiseach Micheál Martin has stated that the Irish government is actively working to resolve "outstanding issues" affecting a significant number of domestic industries, following the broad trade agreement struck between the European Union and the United States last year.
Ongoing Dialogue Post-Agreement
Speaking to reporters outside Government Buildings in Dublin on Tuesday 13 January 2026, Mr Martin confirmed that dialogue with the US administration is continuing. He acknowledged that the EU-US agreement reached in July and August 2025 had helped stabilise the trading relationship, a fact reflected in Ireland's own economic data.
"Last year, the European Union and the United States reached an agreement in respect of tariffs and the trading issue – which did stabilise the situation as evidenced by our own economic and fiscal returns," the Taoiseach said.
Key Industries Facing Scrutiny
The challenges stem from a series of "Section 232" investigations launched by the Trump administration, which assess the impact of imports on US national security. These probes cover a wide range of critical sectors for the Irish economy, including:
- Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
- Semiconductors and robotics
- Drones, wind turbines, and commercial aircraft
- Critical minerals and timber
Alongside wider EU efforts to secure exemptions for steel and aluminium, Irish politicians have also been pushing for specific carve-outs for wines and spirits.
St Patrick's Day Visit on the Horizon
Mr Martin is expected to continue these discussions in person during the traditional St Patrick's Day visit to the White House in March, where a meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office is anticipated. The Taoiseach cautioned that preparations for the trip are in the "early days".
Reflecting on the lengthy engagement with President Trump during last year's visit, which lasted around 50 minutes and covered the tariff dispute, Mr Martin emphasised the current strategy: "It still is challenging for quite a number of industries, so our focus is on dialogue, continuing to work with United States government to resolve any outstanding issues."
When questioned about potential diplomatic strains due to US territorial interests in Greenland, the Taoiseach expressed hope for a resolution, stating, "There is a clear basis for doing that and I look forward to that happening."
