Dublin: Taoiseach Micheál Martin has strongly criticised U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 200 percent tariff on pharmaceutical products, warning it could lead to widespread medicine shortages and destabilise global supply chains. His comments came during a joint press conference with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, who is currently on an official visit to Ireland.
Martin expressed serious concern over the potential impact of the U.S. policy on both European consumers and American pharmaceutical firms, many of which have long benefited from profitable access to the European Union market.
“Pharmaceutical companies in the U.S. have grown significantly by operating in the EU market. Imposing a 200 percent tariff would not only damage these businesses but also disrupt medicine availability and compromise global health supply chains,” Martin said.
He warned that such protectionist measures would weaken companies’ operational capabilities, reduce international competitiveness, and ultimately harm citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Neither Ireland nor the European Union supports the imposition of tariffs. We believe they are economically damaging and counterproductive. A trade war would hurt workers, consumers, and economies alike,” the Taoiseach added.
In addition to trade issues, Martin turned attention to growing security threats in Europe, particularly Russia’s intensified military production. He warned of a renewed arms buildup by Moscow, which he described as a serious threat not only to Ukraine but to European stability as a whole.
“Russia is rearming at an alarming pace. Its weapons production is accelerating, and this poses a direct threat to European security. The situation is deeply concerning, and the Irish public needs to be aware of these risks,” Martin stated.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda echoed Martin’s concerns but struck a more optimistic tone regarding transatlantic relations. He emphasised the need for diplomatic engagement and compromise with the United States.
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