John Whelan: Trade war leaves Ireland's booming aviation sector vulnerable
Boeing 737 Max fuselages at the manufacturing facility in Renton, Washington. A 30% import duty would significantly increase the cost of acquiring new planes. Picture: David Ryder
US president Donald Trump's threat of a 30% tariff on EU goods from August 1 puts Ireland’s continued growth narrative at risk. Exporters of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food and drink, and aviation services consider a 30% tariffs on their sales to the US would be very damaging and, in many instances, make supplying their customers across the Atlantic unsustainable.
However, having been caught off guard by a letter threatening the 30% duty on EU goods the weekend before last, the European Commission last week quickly tabled a plan to put counter tariffs worth €72bn on imports of US goods.
