US President Donald Trump has been taken out in Ireland and claims that 'natural' benefits from America for the country's prime minister.
Today, in addition to the Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Trump spoke in the Oval Office, because the EU announced retalatory economic rates against Trump after the president had pushed a 25% rate on all global steel and aluminum imports.
“The EU has been set up to take advantage of the United States,” he said.
Asked if Ireland also used the US, he said: 'Of course they are. I have a lot of respect for Ireland, for what they did and they should have done exactly what they did. But the United States should not have let that happen. We had stupid leaders, we had leaders who had no idea.
“Suddenly Ireland has our pharmaceutical companies, this beautiful island of five million people has the entire American pharmaceutical industry in its grasp.”
'I have owned in Ireland, as you know, and I love it, it is great, but I would like to see that the United States had not been so stupid for many years, not just with Ireland, with everyone.
“For example, when the pharmaceutical companies started to go to Ireland, I would have said:” That's okay if you want to go to Ireland, I think it's great, but if you want to sell something in the United States, I will go a rate of 200% in your places, so that you can never sell anything in the United States. ”
“Do you know what they would have done? They would have stayed here. '
When asked if the Taoiseach should worry about the massive rates, Trump said jokes: “Well, he doesn't look nervous. And if he was nervous, he wouldn't show it. '
Donald Trump (photo, right) today spoke next to Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin (photo, left) in the Oval Office
The Oval Office meeting was far removed from the intentions of the Taoiseach to emphasize a 'two-way street' of investments between the nations
“We have a huge shortage with Ireland. Because Ireland was very smart. They took our pharmaceutical companies away from presidents who did not know what they were doing.
“The Irish are smart. They are smart people. '
The Oval Office meeting was far from the intentions of the Taoiseach to emphasize a 'two-way street' of investments between the countries in an attempt to tackle concern that the president can express around an imbalance between the US Ireland.
The meeting comes among an increased concern that Mr Trump's protectionist approach can pose a significant risk for an Irish economy that is largely supported by long -term investments by American multinationals.
These fears are felt throughout Europe, which last night announced that trade would impose countermeasures up to € 26 billion (£ 22 billion) in American goods after the US decision to set 25% rates on the worldwide import of steel and aluminum.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said in a statement: “We deeply regret this measure. Rates are taxes, they are bad for business and worse for consumers. They disrupt supply chains. They bring uncertainty for the economy. '
But during his meeting with the leader of Ireland, Trump said that his rates plan will restore fairness for US trade.
“We've been abused for a long time and we will no longer be abused,” said Trump.
Asked if Ireland also used the US, Trump said: “Of course they are”
During his meeting with the leader of Ireland, Trump said that his rates plan will restore justice for US trade
The Canadian Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc said on Wednesday when the rates announced that the latest list of products affected by this trade war includes computers, sports equipment and cast -iron products
Donald Trump has implemented the 25 percent levy on steel and aluminum import, despite desperate supplications for an exemption
Keir Starmer took PMQs in the commons and made it clear his accident that the US had pushed the blanket 25 percent levy on steel and aluminum imports
He added that the US would respond to the EU counter rate.
Canada also announced a series of retribution rates against CAD $ 29.8 billion (£ 16 billion) from tomorrow, said Canadian Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc.
The rates include steel products worth C $ 12.6 billion (£ 6.8 billion) and aluminum products worth C $ 3 billion (£ 1.6 billion), as well as computers, sports equipment and cast iron goods.
The Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said during a press conference and spoke with the American people: 'I want you to remember this – Canada is your best friend, best neighbor and best ally.
“Canada is also the best and biggest customer in America. We buy more American goods than the UK, France, China and Japan.
'Canada is not the one who increases the costs of your groceries or your gasoline or one of your construction. Canada is not the one who endangers your jobs. '
Joly added that Canada will increase rates with European allies to coordinate a reaction to exert the US pressure.
In the meantime, the UK said it would take a 'pragmatic approach' for the shock rates.
Speaking at PMQs, Keir Starmer said: “Of course, like everyone else, I am disappointed to see global rates with regard to steel and aluminum,” says the prime minister, adding Canada is a “very important ally.”
'But we will follow a pragmatic approach. We are, as he knows, negotiate an economic deal that covers and will include rates if we succeed. But we will keep all the options on the table. '
Germany said it is not interested in a trade war with the US.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy said: “We stand for clear trade rules and at the same time for a worldwide, free trade area that works on rules, as determined by the WTO.”
