Sean Whelan

Washington Correspondent

President Donald Trump said the idea behind reciprocal tariffs is 'what they charge us, we charge them'

US puts trade in dark place as world searches for exit

The US has gotten us and them into a dark and dangerous place, but hopefully their plan includes several exit routes that can be used as needed, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 03 Apr

The European Commission estimates that the US will collect €81 billion in tariffs from European imports

70% of EU exports to be impacted by tariffs - officials

EU officials have said some €380 billion worth of EU exports will be hit by US President Donald Trump's array of tariffs, amounting to some 70% of all EU exports to the United States.

Europe • 03 Apr

Hard announcements, like tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, have often been walked back, or suspended, or modified

Pharma industry may be golden goose ready for plucking

Tariffs are one way for Donald Trump to achieve tax cuts, and Irish-based pharma industry may be a golden goose ready for plucking, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 02 Apr

Simon Harris said that Ireland and Europe were extremely eager to see more engagement happen in the days ahead with the US administration

Tánaiste says EU eager to engage with US over tariffs

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said Ireland and the rest of the EU is in for a period of trade turbulence with the United States.

Ireland • 16 Mar

Martina and Isaac Burke were removed from the event by security staff and some members of the Department of Homeland Security Police

Burke family protest in US 'regrettable', says Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the Ireland Funds gala dinner in Washington DC last night was not significantly disrupted by the Burke family's protest at the event.

US • 14 Mar

President Donald Trump singled out a 50% EU levy on US whiskey as being 'nasty' (stock image)

Tariff threat 'very concerning' for Irish spirits sector

The threat of US tariffs is "very concerning" for Ireland's spirits sector, the director of Irish Whiskey Association has said.

Ireland • 14 Mar

Trade is the focus of Micheál Martin's US visit today

Martin: US measures on pharma firms in Ireland uncertain

US President Donald Trump's measures on US pharmaceutical companies operating in Ireland remains "somewhat uncertain", Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said.

US • 13 Mar

Taoiseach Micheál Martin smiles during the final part of the day's proceedings

Oval Office plan worked but trade war danger not over

Both the US and Irish sides played their parts in yesterday's proceedings, but US President Donald Trump did seem to have a genuine soft spot for the Irish - time will tell what that means for Ireland's future.

Anaylsis and Comment • 13 Mar

Micheál Martin was speaking at the South by Southwest in Texas

'Hold the nerve' Martin says over threatened US tariffs

The Taoiseach has begun his visit to the United States with a trip to Austin, a good place to feel the economic links ahead of his White House visit, writes Sean Whelan.

Analysis and Comment • 11 Mar

Joe Kennedy III and Susan Davis, have been appointed as the new bi-partisan co-chairs

New co-chairs of Irish-US GFA group appointed

Former Presidential Special Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III and Susan Davis, President of Susan Davis International, have been appointed as the new bi-partisan co-chairs of the US political pressure group the Ad Hoc Committee to Protect the Good Friday Agreement.

US • 10 Mar