ICC Ireland responds to proposed tariffs

23 May 2025

Speaking after today’s announcement that the US administration may apply increased tariffs on EU exports, Secretary General of ICC Ireland Ian Talbot said:

“The proposed increase in tariffs on EU imports introduces uncertainty into a stable and integrated trade relationship. The immediate effect for businesses will be to delay investment decisions, disrupt supply chains, and undermine market confidence.  

“The EU/US relationship is not only of immense economic importance; it is the cornerstone of the rules-based global trading system. For decades, EU-US trade has been a model of openness, reliability, and shared prosperity. Increasing tariffs between these two major economies could disrupt global business at a time when stability is crucial.”

He said that de-escalation, rather than retaliation should be prioritised:

“In line with our colleagues at the International Chamber of Commerce, we call on the US and the EU to redouble ongoing efforts to renew their trade relationship. A swift and coordinated de-escalation is essential to preserve the trust and stability that underpin international commerce, business investment and job creation.”

ENDS

For further information contact Shane Hughes at shane.hughes@chambers.ie

About ICC Ireland

ICC Ireland is the Irish branch of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the world’s business organisation. The organisation has a 100-year track record of fostering open, cross border trade, resolving cross-border commercial disputes and setting best practice international rules for business at the highest levels of global governance. The ICC is the only business organisation which has UN Observer Status.