US Tariffs Renew Worries for Irish Tech Sector

US trade policy uncertainty continues to unsettle business leaders and policymakers, with Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari warning of potential job losses if the ambiguity persists. While layoffs have not yet increased, some businesses are already preparing for possible cuts. Kashkari stressed that resolving trade disputes with major partners would greatly reduce the current uncertainty affecting businesses and consumers. The semiconductor and tech sectors in Ireland, which had benefited from a temporary US tariff exemption, now face renewed concern following signals of upcoming sector-specific US tariffs, further complicating global supply chains. Kashkari also noted that frequent changes in US trade policy present challenges for both policymakers and the public, but expressed confidence in the resilience of the US economy. The developments highlight the importance of clear and stable trade policies for economic stability.