Following the success of our first Washington DC Briefing, ifac and Pinion returned for a timely follow-up discussion focused on the fallout from the April 2nd U.S. tariff announcements — and what they mean for Irish food and agribusiness exporters.
This in-depth session features expert insights from Brian Kuehl, Principal and Director of Government and Public Affairs at Pinion, and Karol Kissane, Head of Public Sector Services and Economics at ifac.
With years of experience advising U.S. policymakers and trade bodies, Brian offered a rare behind-the-scenes perspective on Washington’s response, the reaction from global markets, and the broader implications for Ireland.
A wave of shock: The scale, rollout, and confusion surrounding the tariffs triggered disbelief among analysts and markets, fuelling instability and uncertainty.
Market reactions: Bond markets spiked — a worrying sign of declining confidence in U.S. economic stability — which influenced the administration’s temporary pullback.
Impact on exporters: Despite a 90-day rollback on reciprocal tariffs, a 10% blanket tariff still applies to most goods, excluding Mexico and Canada — with more sectors, including pharmaceuticals, potentially next.
Irish pharma in focus: Ireland was directly mentioned by President Trump as a key exporter in the pharmaceutical space — a potential flashpoint for upcoming tariffs.
U.S. agriculture in a tight spot: Farmers remain concerned over soy exports to China and the economic strain from previous trade wars. New subsidies are planned, but the sector is more vulnerable now than in 2018.
Advice for exporters:
Monitor the health of the U.S. ag economy — it directly impacts demand.
Consider onshoring manufacturing to the U.S. where possible.
Revisit pricing models to account for new trade costs.
Be prepared for a prolonged period of uncertainty.
Brian provided an insider’s perspective on Washington’s response to the April 2nd tariffs, unpacking the political and economic fallout, bond market reactions, and what the evolving U.S. trade landscape means for Irish exporters.
Karol explored the implications of the new tariffs from an Irish and EU perspective, highlighting sectoral risks, particularly in agri-food and pharmaceuticals, and offered strategic guidance for businesses facing prolonged uncertainty.
The U.S. trade landscape is shifting rapidly — and for Irish exporters, the implications are real. From unexpected tariff rollouts to targeted threats on key sectors like dairy, agri-food, and pharmaceuticals, the pressure is mounting. Whether you export dairy, pharma, or agrifood products to the U.S., this webinar is a must-watch for staying informed, proactive, and competitive in a rapidly changing trade environment.
