DUBLIN, Ireland: As tensions rise over sweeping U.S. tariffs, Tanaiste Simon Harris is urging the European Union to stay calm, avoid retaliation, and keep the door open for negotiation.

The EU does not want to get into "tit-for-tat" tariffs with the US, the Tanaiste said, as he appealed for calm and de-escalation.

Simon Harris travelled to Luxembourg this week for an extraordinary meeting of EU trade ministers focused on US tariffs. This was prior to the 90-day pause announced by President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

Last week, Trump announced a 20 per cent tariff on imports from the EU, with some limited exceptions. This followed previous announcements of tariffs on aluminium, steel, and the automotive sector.

Harris said a calm and measured response is needed, adding that the Irish Government will keep support for businesses "under review."

Asked about the Irish position on including tariffs on US tech and digital services in the EU response, he said: "If you were to get into that space, it would be an extraordinary escalation at a time when we must be working for a de-escalation. It is in many ways the nuclear option if you start talking about the use of the anti-coercion instrument (ACI) and the like. So what we need to do here is, step by step in a measured way, consider how best to respond."

Harris said it is "certainly not" the majority view of member states to use the ACI right now, adding that the focus is on responding to steel and aluminium tariffs and arriving at a position of negotiation.

In response to steel and aluminium taxes, he said he had written to the European Commission about Ireland's concerns over the potential reintroduction of an EU tariff on US bourbon imports. Trump has previously threatened a 200 percent tariff on EU spirits if such a measure is taken.

Harris questioned the "strategic relevance" of targeting US bourbon and said the EU's countermeasures should be "very small and measured."

Pressed on whether the EU must include services to match US tariffs, Harris said the bloc's aim is not to "get into tit-for-tat."

"This is a trading relationship that matters," he added. "Europe has been very clear. We are up for a deal."