The EU is at the moment strolling a diplomatic tightrope, searching for to keep away from a commerce struggle with the US. With an financial system that’s extremely export-orientated, Eire may very well be laborious hit.
Eire’s Taoiseach Micheál Martin will journey to the White Home subsequent month to have fun St. Patrick’s Day with the US President.
Whereas the 2 nations share shut cultural ties, one main disagreement will grasp within the air.
The worth of Irish items despatched to the US was €72.6 billion in 2024, a 34% enhance in comparison with the earlier yr.
Imports of products from the US to Eire, in the meantime, amounted to €22.5bn.
Such a surplus has left Eire – together with different European nations – within the crosshairs of the brand new US administration.
President Trump views such a buying and selling construction exploitative, though economists argue it’s partly linked to sturdy home consumption within the US.
One looming risk for the EU is a 25% tariff on items despatched throughout the Atlantic, a coverage not but confirmed.
As leaders search to keep away from such a conflict, some have extra to lose than others.
“Relative to the opposite EU nations, Eire is extra uncovered to tariffs as a result of it exports proportionately extra to the US,” Supriya Kapoor, affiliate professor of finance at Trinity School Dublin, instructed Euronews.
“It is a very tough path that Europe must strategically tread.”
Watch the total interview above.