The Taoiseach has welcomed the US President's exemption of phones, computer chips and computers and other devices from new tariffs.

President Donald Trump had imposed a 14.5% tariff on products from China earlier this month, threatening the likes of Apple, who make some of their products in China.

Last night, guidance issued by the US also includes exemptions for semiconductors, solar cells, flat panel TVs, memory cards and USB drives.

The White House says it wants to ensure companies have time to move production to home shores.

Speaking in Roscommon last night, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was "good news".

Taoiseach Micheál Martin speaking at the Ógra Fianna Fáil National Youth Conference in Roscommon. Picture: Alex Rowley.

"That is helpful, and so the challenge  here is to continue to engage with the US administration, work with our European Union partners and with the companies [invested in Ireland], multinationals and indigenous, in respect of navigating our way through this period," he said.

Earlier this week, the US temporarily suspended targeted tariffs on other countries for 90 days to allow time for officials to negotiate with countries that have sought to reduce them.

"The key issue is that we do get on a negotiation pathway between the US and the European Union," he continued, "There are issues out there, the US have issues, Europe has issues."

"The only way they can be resolved is by negotiations," the Taoiseach concluded.

The move has been welcomed as it would keep consumer prices low on purchases on items that are imported from China.

Main photo: Micheál Martin speaking to the media at the Government Buildings in Dublin. Picture: PA Images / Alamy. Wednesday October 2, 2024.