By Burak Bir
LONDON (AA) - The Irish taoiseach (prime minister) expressed regret Thursday for reciprocal tariffs on imports from the EU, saying there is "no justification" for the measure.
Micheal Martin noted in a news conference in Dublin that more than €4.2 billion ($4.6 billion) worth of goods and services are traded between the European Union and the US daily.
"Disrupting this deeply-integrated relationship with tariffs and increased protectionism benefits no one," he said.
Stating that tariffs drive inflation, hurting people on both sides of the Atlantic, Martin noted that it also puts jobs at risk.
"We will now reflect with our European Union partners on how best to respond," he said.
The premier underlined the importance of a "considered and measured" response.
"Any action should be proportionate, aimed at defending the interests of our businesses, workers and citizens," he said.
Calling for a dialogue, Martin stressed that a negotiated way forward is the "only sensible one," as a confrontation is in no one's interests.
US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs Wednesday on dozens of countries and economic regions, including EU Imports from the EU that will face a 20% surcharge.