CEO Conor Healy says Ireland’s attractiveness as a place to live, work, and invest must remain a top priority
Cork Chamber has called for a focused diplomatic response to tariffs announced by the US President.
Goods from Ireland to the United States will be slapped with a 20% tariff from next week.
Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said the level of exposure will vary across sectors and businesses, adding that measures to mitigate the impact and safeguard jobs must be prioritised; "In the short term, continued support for SMEs is essential as they adapt, by ensuring the resourcing of our state agencies and trade sections of our diplomatic corps which will need to play an enhanced role in supporting diversified market access.”
“Additionally, support measures for impacted sectors will be crucial in helping the most vulnerable businesses manage cash flow, restructure operations and maintain employment while developing alternative markets.”
“Ireland’s attractiveness as a place to live, work, and invest must remain a top priority. Accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure projects and ensuring sustained investment in education will be essential in strengthening our competitive position and maintaining investor confidence.”
“Tariffs are not a constructive tool for economic progress. Now more than ever, we need dialogue and diplomacy, and a unified European response that works to de-escalate trade tensions and protect economic stability. Our business community is resilient, but a coordinated and calm response is needed to navigate these challenges and ensure long-term economic stability.”
President of Cork Chamber, Rob Horgan said the announcement by President Trump is very significant for our national and regional economy; "Our focus must now be on assessing the impact, supporting businesses, and working towards a constructive resolution. We must use our position within Europe and the global trade agreements already in place to our advantage while moving forward with new trade agreements, this will be essential to ensure continued and new access to key international markets. A measured and coordinated EU response will be critical in managing these developments, and Ireland must continue to actively engage in this process to safeguard our economic interests.”
