What Trump's tariffs mean for Northern Ireland- everything you need to know

It was one of the defining policies of his election campaign and on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced a series of tariffs on goods coming into the United States.

These measures aim to address perceived trade imbalances but have raised fears of escalating trade tensions and economic repercussions.

With companies in Northern Ireland selling goods valued at around £1.5bn to the US every year, these tariffs will impact on local businesses.

How much tariffs have been placed on goods going into the US from NI?

Donald Trump has placed a tariff of 10 per cent on all goods imported into the US from the UK. Northern Ireland mainly exports pharmaceuticals and industrial machinery to the US.

Goods from Northern Ireland will be covered by the UK's 10 per cent tariffs, while goods from the Republic of Ireland will be subjected the 20 per cent tariffs placed on the EU.

How will the Windsor Framework impact the tariffs?

As a result of the Windsor Framework, Northern Ireland is considered part of the EU 's customs territory for imports. If the EU decide to retaliate with higher tariffs for US goods and the UK does not, Northern Ireland will have to implement the EU rate.

This could mean that consumers in Northern Ireland would be paying more for US goods than customers in the rest of the UK.

However, the Windsor Framework could also make Northern Ireland more advantageous for manufacturers to set up production facilities here as they would have tariff-free access to the UK and EU markets while also only being subjected to a 10 per cent tariff on goods exported to the US.

What have the business community said?

Addressing 300 business leaders at NI Chamber’s economic conference ‘Momentum’ in Ballymena this morning, Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said: “While we must all take time to unpick the detail and digest the implications, there is no doubt that these tariffs will have ramifications for businesses in Northern Ireland.

“It’s a complex picture and at this point, much is still unclear, particularly when it comes to potential retaliation.

“What we do know is that now is a time for calm heads and careful, constructive assessment.

“In anticipation of this escalation of US tariffs, NI Chamber has been actively engaging with policymakers in Westminster, Brussels, Stormont and Dublin since January. In all of that, our aim has, and will continue to be, to ensure that Northern Ireland and its unique circumstances are adequately considered as both the UK and EU prepare to respond.

“As these are so complex, we have also been calling on the London government to stand up a team of experts to support our businesses through this challenge.”

John Kelly, Chief Executive of McConnell’s Irish Whisky said: “We are now entering into an uncertain situation around tariffs, especially for businesses where operations straddle the EU / UK trade border. Any uncertainty is unwelcome and we are working with the Irish Whiskey Association and Spirits Europe to get clarity around the impact of the tariff announcement as quickly as possible. One thing that is certain is that whiskey distillers and bourbon distillers are agreed that tariffs are not helpful.

“The Irish whiskey market has seen significant growth in the American market over the last 25 years and any tariff increase has the potential to disrupt that market growth. At the same time McConnell’s whisky is on the shelves in more than 40 countries including the USA and we will continue to focus on growing those markets.

“McConnell’s is more than a distillery and that also gives us a buffer against global trade issues. We offer a landmark tourist attraction and in the year since we opened we have already welcomed more than 16,000 visitors to our Crumlin Road site. So as we navigate the emerging tariff issues and the impact on our USA sales we will also focus on protecting and growing all elements of the McConnell’s operation.”

What has the Economy Minister said?

Speaking at the same conference, Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald highlighted the uncertainty and, indeed, apprehension around the world at the tariffs being imposed by the Trump Administration.

She said: “The announcements made last night are deeply regrettable. A trade war will only fuel inflation and risk recession.”

Having already engaged with the Irish Tánaiste and the British Trade Secretary to discuss this issue, the Minister outlined five key asks of the British and Irish Governments.

She explained: "First, to keep the north’s unique circumstances in mind in trade negotiations and in terms of any counter-measures.

“Second, to act in concert and to minimise divergence between Britain and the EU.

“Third, to provide a properly resourced advice service for businesses so that they can understand how tariffs affect them.

“Fourth, to improve existing trading initiatives such as HMRC ’s duty reimbursement and waiver schemes.

“Finally, to bring forward an economic package that protects our international competitiveness.”

The Minister continued: “My Department will closely monitor the impact of US tariffs and any countermeasures. On Monday morning, I will meet with businesses and trade unions to assess the unfolding situation and the next steps. Our task is to maintain the positive economic momentum that has built up over the last few years.”

What have other politicians said?

Taking to X on Wednesday night, First Minister Michelle O'Neill posted: "Tonight the US President has announced tariffs for countries across the world. In every engagement, both at home and internationally, my priority has always been to protect the best interests of workers, families, and businesses on the island.

"We must ensure that our all-island economy, which has grown substantially in recent years, continues to thrive to create better opportunities for all our people. I will continue to speak with political and business leaders throughout this period of uncertainty, always prioritising the prosperity and future of everyone who calls our island home."

Deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly added: "My focus will continue to be on doing all I can to champion Northern Ireland. This means pushing for all possible action to protect Northern Ireland, especially against any retaliatory tariffs by the EU.

"I have been vociferously raising our NI issues to all involved and will continue to do so. Focus now moves to pushing forward the UK-USA arrangements, supporting UK Gov to do so and ensuring NI is central to these considerations.

"In addition, all efforts to ensure EU tariffs to USA and political decisions at EU level to US do not penalise NI business or detrimentally impact on us. Much still to be done."

SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP said that Northern Ireland’s economy must be protected from the impact of tariffs imposed by Donald Trump.

“Following the act of economic self-harm announced by Donald Trump last night, there is uncertainty. While we work through the precise implications, it’s important that people here see strong and clear political leadership that is focused on protecting them and finding solutions," she said.

“Week by week, we are witnessing the global ripple effects of Trump’s inward-looking agenda. We learned through the bitter experience of Brexit that isolationism is not a viable strategy in an interconnected world. In the face of these damaging tariffs, the UK Government should be urgently working to deepen cooperation with Europe and build resilient economic partnerships.

“There is also concern about the knock-on effect of these measures on the Irish economy and by extension, the all-island economy. While the exemption for pharmaceutical goods is helpful, we cannot pretend that what happens in the South has no bearing on the North.

“This is a moment that demands coordinated action to shield people from the disruption these tariffs are set to cause across the US, Ireland, and beyond. The SDLP will continue to press for clarity, cooperation, and action to protect people, jobs, and businesses here in Northern Ireland.”

Speaking yesterday, TUV leader Jim Allister MP said: “Once the USA imposes tariffs and the EU responds with counter-tariffs, Northern Ireland’s colonial status will be obvious.

“This is because EU tariffs, not UK measures, will apply to American goods coming into Northern Ireland. The reason is of the most fundamental of constitutional importance, namely, that NI is subject to the EU’s Customs Code and it is under this foreign code that tariffs will be enforced on US goods coming into this part of the U.K.

“Just as the Customs Code can impose tariffs and checks on GB goods, so it will impose tariffs on US exports to the EU.

“Those unionists who continue to implement the Union-dismantling Protocol need to waken up to what is happening with their acquiescence.”

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