EU-US Trade Deal Imposes 15% Tariffs, Gains Mixed EU Political Support

A new EU-US trade deal was agreed upon between President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, establishing a 15% tariff on most European products exported to the US. Irish leaders including Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris have welcomed the deal for bringing clarity, predictability, and stability to transatlantic trade, which is vital for businesses and jobs, despite the higher tariff rate compared to previous levels. The deal averts an imminent trade war that threatened to escalate tariffs to 30%, particularly protecting export-reliant economies like Ireland from severe economic fallout. However, there is skepticism from some European leaders and German industry experts who warn of negative impacts on export-oriented sectors and question the reliability of the agreement given President Trump's prior tariff threats. While sectors such as aviation secured zero tariffs, the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries face a ceiling of 15% tariffs, with further details expected in follow-up negotiations. Overall, the agreement is seen as a framework that provides temporary peace and a basis for deeper future trade relations, though uncertainties remain due to President Trump's unpredictable trade policies.