Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2025
604. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he envisages the need for supports for farmers and Irish food producers in the event of the introduction or increase of tariffs on the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13380/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a small, open exporting economy, Ireland is sensitive to any change in global trading conditions. Therefore, any imposition of tariffs by the U.S. authorities will if enacted have the potential to pose significant challenges for Irish exporters of agri-food products to the US. This is of particular concern as the US is the second largest market for Irish agri-food exports after the UK with exports last year valued at almost €2 billion.
Ireland and the European Union want to avoid a series of escalating tit-for tat tariffs. Ireland’s view on tariffs is clear: they are economically counterproductive and would disrupt deeply integrated transatlantic supply chains.
My Department continues to work in close coordination with the European Union, other Irish Government Departments and industry stakeholders to fully understand the potential impacts. I participated in a meeing of the Government Trade Forum chaired by the Tánaiste last week to discuss these issues.
Our reaction to any tariffs will be motivated by protecting the interests of European and Irish businesses, workers and consumers from unjustified measures. In relation to Irish food and drink sector concerns, while engagement on trade issues takes place between the EU Commission and the US, I can assure you that the Commission is aware of Irish concerns and those of other member states.
I urge stakeholders to engage with the EU public consultation process currently underway in relation to possible countermeasures.
I will lead a trade mission to the US in April, travelling to Washington DC, and other locations, to meet with US Government officials, State legislators, and private companies where I will promote the importance of this trading relationship.
