Irish whiskey exports to America will now face a 15pc tariff as of August 1, following negotiations between the European Commission and the Trump administration.
No agreement was reached for a lower tariff rate on alcoholic drinks, with Olof Gill confirming that the spirits sector will not be included in the exemptions. Ireland exported €410m worth of whiskey to the US last year, equating to 34,000 tonnes, having previously benefitted from a zero-for-zero tariff arrangement.
Eoin Ó Catháin of the Irish Whiskey Association expressed concerns that the new tariff would increase costs for exporters and consumers, with potential impacts on the hospitality and tourism sectors.
The EU anticipates a joint statement from the US and EU detailing the trade deal, despite potential delays in finalising the agreement text.
Olof Gill shared, “The commission remains determined to achieve and secure the maximum number of carve-outs including for traditional EU products such as wine and spirits. This means that, from today, we will have the immediate tariff relief we have worked so hard to achieve.”
Eoin Ó Catháin shared, “We note media reports today which indicate that our products will face a 15pc tariff when exporting to the USA from August 1. The application of this tariff will increase costs for both exporters and consumers, and will not be without knock-on effects on the hospitality and tourism sectors in the USA.”
