Written answers

Thursday, 3 April 2025

Photo of Barry HeneghanBarry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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22. To ask the Minister for Finance the other tariffs that the United States could impose that could deeply impact the Irish economy, excluding pharmaceutical exports. [16086/25]

Photo of Paschal DonohoePaschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have said on many occasions - we regret the imposition of tariffs on any sectors. Tariffs create economic disruption and drive inflation, with negative consequences for all sectors involved. The Government has taken careful note of President Trump’s decisions and proposals with regards tariffs announced yesterday.

The trading relationship with the United States is Ireland’s single most important bilateral economic relationship. In 2024, almost €73 billion worth of goods were exported from Ireland to the US, almost one-third of total goods exports.

While the majority of Ireland’s goods exports to the US consist of pharmaceutical and chemical products, other sectors would also be exposed to widespread tariffs. For example, there were substantial exports of medical technology products and machinery and transport equipment to the US last year, amounting to around €12 billion.

Around one third of medical technology exports were sold to the US market in 2024, while the US was the destination for around 15 per cent of Irish machinery and transport equipment exports.

The US is also a key market for Ireland’s indigenous sector. For instance, according to the CSO, Ireland exported over €2 billion worth of alcoholic beverages last year, around 40 per cent of which went to the US. Ireland also exported close to €1 billion worth of food and live animals to the US last year.

In summary, the imposition of tariffs would have a significant impact on many sectors in the Irish economy. That is why we must continue to act to safeguard the Irish economy, working to maintain the competitiveness that has contributed to the solid growth recorded in recent years.

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