A new 15% U.S. tariff on most European Union imports came into force at midnight on Thursday, following months of negotiations, tariff threats, and shifting deadlines. The levy, announced jointly by U.S. President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen two weeks ago, affects a wide range of products, with only limited exemptions.
For Irish exporters, the change means higher costs for goods entering the U.S. market, from cars and semiconductors to pharmaceuticals. The rate replaces the 10% baseline introduced in April and is lower than the 30% once threatened, but businesses say uncertainty remains over its long-term stability.
Von der Leyen described the 15% as a “clear ceiling” with no additional surcharges, covering most sectors. Exemptions include aircraft and component parts, certain chemicals, semiconductor equipment, specific agricultural goods, and critical raw materials. However, Irish whiskey, cream liqueurs, dairy, and agri-food products have not yet been guaranteed relief from tariffs, with talks ongoing.
The stakes are high for Ireland’s drinks industry, which exports 95% of its whiskey, most of it to the U.S. “Until we see the exact wording of this joint declaration, we won’t know for certain where spirits or the Irish drinks industry will fall,” said Eoin Ó Catháin of the Irish Whiskey Association.
Pharmaceuticals — previously exempt from the 10% rate — are now subject to the 15% tariff. Trump has suggested these could rise sharply within 18 months, citing plans to bring more production to U.S. soil. An ongoing U.S. Department of Commerce investigation into pharmaceutical imports adds to the uncertainty.
The tariff situation is further complicated by differences between Northern Ireland and the Republic. Under the UK–U.S. trade deal, Northern Ireland goods face a 10% baseline tariff, raising concerns over cross-border supply chains, particularly in the dairy sector.
Irish business groups warn that the uncertainty is damaging confidence. “In an environment where you can’t say with a degree of certainty what the cost base will be, it’s impossible to borrow money,” said Neil McDonnell of the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association.
Some companies are already restructuring, exploring alternative markets, or even relocating operations to the U.S. “Irish companies are resilient, but they need financial supports and help finding new markets,” said Caitriona Mordan, manager of the Midlands-based Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing Cluster.
While the 15% tariff is now in place, many Irish exporters are watching closely for further developments — and hoping for sector-specific carve-outs that could ease the blow in the months ahead.
