Trump’s global tariff agenda puts Ireland’s pharmaceutical industry at serious risk

Trump’s tariff regime has shaken global trade — and Ireland’s critical pharma sector is bracing for long-term change

The pharmaceutical industry contributes massively to the Irish economy via billions of euro in corporation tax contributions, with about 90 companies employing 50,000 people in highly-paid roles. File photo

The whole world is in thrall to the whims of Donald Trump’s tariff agenda, as it has been since the 47th president of the United States’ swearing-in last January.

We’ve learned a few uncomfortable truths along the way. Much of the early outcry from America’s allies and trading partners surrounded the lack of economic logic to the imposition of tariffs – which are effectively a tax for Americans on foreign products, in theory making them less attractive to US consumers and heightening the allure of their own domestic suppliers.