Trump Tariffs Threaten 25,000 Irish Pharmaceutical Jobs

Ireland faces significant challenges in translating its abundant capital into vital infrastructure projects due to a shortage of skilled workers, planning delays, and the complexity of major works, necessitating reliance on international expertise and joint ventures. Concurrently, Ireland's economy is under threat from potential US tariffs on pharmaceuticals, a sector critical to the country with 50,000 jobs and exports exceeding €200 billion, following President Trump’s focus on drug prices and warnings of job losses if a US-EU trade deal is not reached. The Irish government has lowered economic growth forecasts due to these uncertainties, highlighting the risk of a trade war that could significantly impact Ireland's economic model. The recent US-UK trade deal has further complicated matters, signaling a future where tariffs remain a key aspect of international trade, even if a US-EU agreement is achieved, which may suppress trade and growth for Ireland. This evolving trade policy environment, marked by volatility and tariff threats, underscores Ireland's vulnerability given its economic ties to the US pharmaceutical and tech industries, emphasizing the need for strategic responses to maintain growth and employment. Meanwhile, efforts to manage these risks continue amid concerns about the broader implications for the Irish economy.