Longford firms will need wage subsidy aid if Trump sticks tariffs at 30%

Immediate action is needed to protect Irish exporters from devastating US tariff threats, says Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly.

“The letter from President Donald Trump to the EU Trade Commissioner is a major body blow to Irish exports, particularly for our agri-food sector,” said Mullooly. “Ireland is uniquely exposed in this unfolding trade dispute due to the sheer scale of our exports to the United States, especially in dairy and alcoholic beverages, which were worth over €2 billion in 2024 alone.”

Mullooly warned that, “If these 30% tariffs are implemented, the consequences for Irish businesses and jobs will be catastrophic. No sector or product can remain viable with that level of penalty.”

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“Irish alcohol and beverage exports face a doomsday scenario if these tariffs go ahead. We’re talking about exports worth over €1 billion in 2024 alone being put at risk overnight.”

He highlighted the threat to local firms: “Longford businesses who export into the US market, are going to need wage subsidies and key marketing grant supports from IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland if Donald Trump’s threatened 30% tariffs actually go ahead.”

Mullooly continued, “Local firms will be on the front line of this crisis. The government must be ready with emergency supports, just as we saw during the COVID crisis. That’s what the rainy day fund is for.”

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He added, “Revenue tax deferrals could be a vital liquidity support for businesses severely impacted by the present instability and uncertainty over a proposed 30% tariff on all US exports.”

Mullooly called for an immediate response from Irish and EU authorities: “We need the European Commission and the Irish Government to move quickly. I am seeking an urgent meeting with the EU Trade Commissioner to outline the specific and disproportionate impact these measures will have on Ireland.”

He also called for a hands-on approach to business support: “Enterprise Ireland staff at regional level should be meeting with companies one-to-one, to discuss direct financial assistance for marketing and finding new markets. Many exporters have already had to suspend production due to this uncertainty.”

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Mullooly concluded: “It’s time for Ireland to fully leverage its diplomatic influence in Washington. An all-out trade war is in no one’s interest, and it must be avoided through strong, proactive engagement before irreversible damage is done. The livelihoods of thousands of Irish workers and the future of our export sector are at stake.”