Cork export businesses did not expect US to unleash tariff turmoil 

Chamber exporters surveyed in January, February, and March found six out of 10 did not expect any trade barriers this year

A portside crane in Cork City. Almost six out of 10 export businesses in Cork did not expect any barriers to  their trade this year before the US administration unveiled its plans for global tariffs.

Almost six out of 10 export businesses in Cork did not expect any barriers to their trade this year before the US administration unveiled its plans for global tariffs.

The survey of Cork Chamber businesses carried out by PTSB found that 21% of respondents expected their levels of trade to grow in 2025. The Economic Trends survey was carried out in  January, February and March 2025, prior to the announcement of US tariffs by US president Donald Trump. Mr Trump has slapped a 20% tariff on EU goods - including Ireland - entering the United States.