Irish whiskey and dairy products look set to be removed from retaliatory tariffs by EU

Irish exporters have received a welcome boost as whiskey, wine, and dairy products are set to be removed from the European Union’s proposed list of retaliatory tariffs against the United States.

This follows last week’s announcement by US President Donald Trump of a new 20% tariff on EU imports into the US.

In response, the European Commission has been finalising countermeasures—though the latest version of the proposed tariff list excludes key Irish exports, according to reports.

The US is Ireland’s second-largest market for food and drink, with exports valued at approximately €1.9bn last year.

Dairy and whiskey make up the bulk of that trade.

President Trump had previously threatened steep tariffs—up to 200%—on EU alcohol imports if the EU moved to target American bourbon.

But after lobbying from MEPs and several EU governments, including Ireland, France, and Italy, the final list of counter-tariffs will now avoid these sensitive sectors.

Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen, who reviewed the updated proposal, welcomed the move: "If confirmed, the removal of these products represents a significant success for MEPs and national Governments who urged caution and unity.

"This will greatly reduce the US administration’s focus on these key industries."

Mr. Cowen added that the revised approach is expected to be "less economically disruptive" while still maintaining pressure on the US.

The updated list will be formally approved by EU member states tomorrow, April 9, and the first wave of new tariffs—ranging from 10% to 25%—will take effect next week.

*This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.