Tariffs are a further example of economic sabotage by Trump administration

Green Party Leader Roderic O’Gorman TD has branded new tariffs announced by President Trump as economic sabotage and said they are part of a pattern by the Trump administration of allowing ideology trump common sense on economic matters.

“The actions of the Trump administration in putting a further range of tariffs across goods and services internationally is an act of economic sabotage. Undoubtedly, it will put economic pressure on these nations, but the US consumer and producers in areas like agriculture are also going to suffer. Everyone loses as a result of these measures," stated O’Gorman.

“This isn’t the first act of economic sabotage by the Trump administration. We have already seen the efforts in the United States to wreck the renewable energy industry, scrapping supports that had seen wind and solar energy ramp up production over the last four years. Again, another example of ideology trumping common sense on economic matters”.

We should see this as an opportunity to embed resilience in our economy through diversification, investment in R&D, localising food production and looking to new markets. Ireland is particularly exposed due to reliance on corporate tax receipts. Now is the time to invest in indigenous industry and enterprise.

“Ireland must work within the EU and with other, like-minded countries, regarding how we respond to these tariffs. We have seen President Trump make significant announcements on tariffs previously and then change them abruptly. Our strength lies in the fact that we are part of a powerful trading partner for the United States, which can respond with impactful economic measures if necessary”, concluded O’Gorman.