Trump tariffs: Taoiseach says it is too early to consider supporting businesses hit as clarity needed over cross-border tariffs in NI

Tánaiste Simon Harris remarked on the challenges posed by the new differential tariff regime affecting goods from the North of Ireland and the Republic. The US has imposed a 20% tariff on EU goods while Northern Ireland faces a lower 10% tariff on UK goods. Harris highlighted the complexities in trading agrifood products, particularly noting the movement of dairy products that could complicate customs declarations. Harris has engaged with various Northern Ireland officials to navigate these complexities and emphasized the importance of clarity from the United States regarding the tariff structure.

Tánaiste Simon Harris expressed that the new tariff regime poses a significant challenge, differentiating between goods from the North and those from the Republic of Ireland.

Harris emphasized the complexities of trade, especially in agrifood, noting that products like dairy could be confusing regarding their origin due to movement across borders.

Read at Irish Independent