Minister for Agriculture must maximise engagement with US officials on tariffs – Martin Kenny TD
4 April 2025
Sinn Fein spokesperson on Agriculture, Food and Marine, Martin Kenny TD, has called on the Minister for Agriculture and the government to maximise its engagement with US officials in relation to tariffs announced for Ireland when he travels to Washington for a trade mission next week.
He added that Minister Haydon must meet with the Northern Executive Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs as soon as possible.
Teachta Kenny said:
“The announcement of 20% tariffs on EU exports is going to seriously impact the Irish dairy sector and the Irish whiskey and other alcohol sector.
“Ireland exports 24% of Irish butter and 6% of Irish cheese to the US and $1billion worth of Irish whiskey. These tariffs are clearly going to have an impact on the dairy and whiskey industry in Ireland.
“With a 10% tariff announcement for the North of Ireland, this further complicates business for farmers who produce goods that cross the border, such as milk from the South being sold to the North to make cheese.
“The possibility of a differentiation in tariffs on the island further compounds the threat to our all-Ireland economy and clarity is required regarding the implications of the tariffs in the north under the terms of the Windsor Framework.
“Our island economy is inextricably linked in sectors such as agriculture. During the Brexit negotiations it was critical for the government to work with all political and sectoral leaders in Dublin, Belfast, Brussels, London and Washington to ensure there was no hard border on the island of Ireland. The same must be applied in this scenario in order to protect the prosperity of everyone on our island.
“The Minister must press these issues with the US officials he meets on his trade mission to Washington next week and stand up for Irish farmers North and South.
“He must also look to meet with the Northern Executive Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs as soon as possible.”
