US President Donald Trump declared new tariffs on Wednesday that are now causing concern among businesses in Northern Ireland. Roger Pollen, the head of the Federation of Small Businesses NI, expressed uncertainty about the full impact of these tariffs. Effective immediately, goods from Northern Ireland entering the US will be subject to a 10% tariff, while goods from the Republic of Ireland will face a 20% tariff under Trump’s measures targeting the EU.
Pollen emphasized the need to assess the implications of the tariffs and determine where the costs would fall. He acknowledged that the current situation has introduced unwelcome uncertainty, stressing that although a 10% tariff may not seem high, it could bring about significant challenges for many. Furthermore, the official mentioned that the actual impact of the tariffs remains unpredictable and could be greater than anticipated.
Following Trump’s announcement, Northern Ireland’s Chamber of Commerce responded cautiously, highlighting the region’s intricate position in terms of exports vis-à-vis the Republic of Ireland. Despite the apparent 10% trade advantage for Northern Ireland due to its UK customs territory status, complexities such as rules of origin could complicate matters further. Meanwhile, concerns were also raised about the negative impact of Trump’s tariffs on the global economy.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to respond to the tariffs with prudence and emphasized that decisions would prioritize the national interest and the well-being of businesses. Additionally, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen assured support for those directly affected by the tariffs, particularly noting the severe repercussions on vulnerable countries. The responses from leaders in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland echoed similar concerns regarding the tariffs’ detrimental effects on trade and economic stability
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