US tariffs will pose significant challenges

The imposition of tariffs by the United States will pose significant challenges for Irish exporters of agri-food products to that country.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed made this clear in a written reply to a Dáil question from Fianna Fáil spokesman Charlie McConalogue.

Washington recently announced that it will begin applying World Trade Organisation (WTO) tariffs on certain European Union goods beginning this Friday.

Mr Creed said that as a small, open exporting economy, Ireland is sensitive to any change in global trading conditions.

“I am deeply disappointed to see the level of tariffs proposed. Irish products including cream liqueurs and cordials, butter, cheeses and pork products will be subject to the 25% tariff,” he said.

Mr Creed said Ireland has highlighted its concerns at EU level as well as at appropriate bilateral engagements with US interlocuters in Dublin and Washington.

“The US authorities have been made aware of the disproportionate impact on Ireland of these tariffs, relative to other EU member states, primarily through our embassy in Washington,” he said.