The CEO of Tipperary Chamber of Commerce says the imposition of tariffs by Donald Trump would have major implications for many businesses in the Premier County.
Michelle Aylward’s comments come as further talks will be held today between EU and US officials over tariffs.
The telephone discussion comes after a weekend which saw the United States threaten 50 percent tariffs on EU imports on June 1st.
That date was changed again to July 9th following a call between Donald Trump and Ursula von Der Leyen.
They agreed to stay in stay in close contact.
Michelle Aylward says it’s a worrying time.
“It’s a very uncertain time as well at the moment especially as a Chamber because we manage all of the Certificates of Origin for Tipperary. So any business that is exporting to certain countries so obviously have to come through Tipperary so it is very worrying at the moment. We are working with government to make sure that supports are in place so that we cam maintain the level of industry that we have especially within Tipperary.”
The Chamber CEO says the Premier County is highly dependent on industries which could be hit by tariffs.
“We’re looking at a County that about 17% of our employment is reliant heavily on the likes of manufacturing and we want to be able to maintain that. But also we want to be able to upskill in terms of other industries as well so it is a very worrying time at the moment.”
