EU Secures Favorable Trade Deal, Averting Damaging Trade War
Irish whiskey producers operating north of the border report continued sales into the United States, though American buyers have adopted a more cautious stance. Exports originating from Northern Ireland are subject to the terms of the British trade agreement finalized in May, which includes a general 10 percent tariff on goods.
Brendan Carty, proprietor of Killowen Distillery near Rostrevor in County Down, recently hosted US distributors at his facility. “There is certainly a more conservative approach – but at the same time there is no stopping of trade between us,” carty stated.
In response to the evolving trade landscape, Carty and othre small-scale producers have actively sought opportunities in alternative markets. “Doors have rather opened in Canada – as they have removed all their US trade,” he noted.
A common thread among these producers is their unwavering confidence in the quality of their products. They believe that US consumers will either continue to purchase their goods despite potential price increases or that the specialized nature of their offerings will enable them to establish a strong presence in other international markets.
The ultimate impact of the trade agreement hinges on the specific figures negotiated between the EU and the US. For producers like Cashel, the focus remains on achieving “stability in adversity,” having navigated previous challenges including Brexit, the initial US trade war under the Trump administration, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the prospect of his return to office.
