IFA reaction to 20% US tariffs
In an initial reaction to the announcement of tariffs by US President Donald Trump, IFA (Irish Farmers’ Association) said the relative differences will impact the competitiveness of Irish products on the US market, including Kerrygold. The fact that New Zealand only has a 10% tariff for dairy products and the UK only has a 10% tariff on drinks, while the EU will have 20% tariffs, will leave Ireland at a competitive disadvantage against some of its biggest competitors in these two sectors.
Ireland exported circa €1.9 billion worth of food and drink products across the Atlantic in 2024. The US market is an important outlet and accounts for circa 11% of Ireland’s total food and drink exports.
Within the €1.9 billion figure, dairy at €830 million and drinks, predominantly whiskey, at €900 million account for 91% of what Ireland exports. Ireland also exports pigmeat (€23 million), beef (€8.8 million) and seafood (€3.8 million).
Kerrygold is now the second best-selling butter brand in the US, where almost €500 million worth of product was sent in 2024. The market accounts for about 7.5% of Ireland’s total dairy exports.
