Trade Minister Simon Harris will urge his EU counterparts to advocate for talks before tariffs in a series of bilateral meetings today, writes Sarah McGuinness.

The Tánaiste and Fine Gael leader will engage with numerous other trade ministers across the bloc over the phone to discuss the EU’s response to threats of tariffs from the US.

After his Oval Office meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, US President Donald Trump threatened 200% tariffs on alcohol from the EU – which would damage the €865m worth of Irish alcohol shipped to the US every year.

Mr Harris signalled yesterday that he will call on the EU to reconsider its reciprocal tariffs on American alcohol, which prompted Mr Trump’s furious response, but will advocate for a different appproach.

Asked about the issue yesterday, he said: “I want to continue to articulate the position that we need an agreement that doesn’t see significant tariffs being imposed on Irish products.

“But, of course, I think it does make sense for the European Union to look at the list [of potential tariffs].”

Government sources have indicated that Mr Harris will encourage his counterparts to engage in dialogue with the Trump administration over imposing reciprocal levies on US imports, with the Tánaiste telling reporters yesterday “tariffs are bad for everyone”.

US tariffs of 25% on all imports of steel and aluminium products and derivatives came into effect worldwide on March 12.

On the same day, the EU announced its proposed countermeasures including the reimposition of suspended tariff measures from April 1 and proposed new measures to come into effect later that month.

The April 1 measures affect a range of US goods including boats, bourbon whiskey and motorbikes.

The US administration is expected to announce further measures on April 2.