Chambers Ireland Responds to US Tariff Announcement – A Call for Strategic Trade Focus and Local Competitiveness 

 

Following the announcement of new US tariffs, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland and Secretary General of ICC Ireland, has called for a calm and strategic response focused on enhancing competitiveness and strengthening trade engagement across the Irish economy.

While the tariffs present immediate challenges, it is essential that Ireland and the EU respond with calm and resolve,” said Talbot. “To navigate these challenges effectively, we should prioritise strategies that (a) enhance our competitiveness and (b) strengthen our trade engagement, rather than escalating tensions.

This message resonates strongly in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown, where a broad mix of local businesses – including in the tech, retail, maritime, and creative sectors – rely on international trade links and supply chains.

Talbot stressed that empowering businesses to access new and existing markets will be key to mitigating the impact of these tariffs:

Market access must now be a key focus, which means helping businesses understand the regulatory and logistical requirements they must address to succeed in trade. We need to utilise the advantages of the Single Market and our access to the UK market while continuing to diversify into new international markets. Investment will be essential to ensure that businesses have the support to enter and expand in other markets. 

With the right approach, this challenge can become a catalyst for progress. Both the Capital Markets Union and the Banking Union should be advanced to improve access to finance for small businesses, support the green and digital transitions, and strengthen our economic resilience. A referendum should also be held on the Unified Patent Court at the earliest possible opportunity. Action in these areas will galvanise our competitiveness and safeguard our long-term economic stability.”

Colette O’Sullivan, Chief Executive of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber, echoed these sentiments and highlighted the local relevance:

This announcement serves as a reminder of how globally connected our local economy is. Many of our members trade internationally or are linked to supply chains that cross borders. It is vital that we ensure the right supports – financial, infrastructural, and strategic – are in place so that our businesses can continue to adapt, diversify, and thrive.” 

“In Dún Laoghaire Rathdown, we are fortunate to have an entrepreneurial base that is agile and outward-looking. But resilience requires the backing of effective policy and timely infrastructure delivery. We urge Government and national agencies to take swift, practical steps to reduce barriers, enhance certainty, and keep our business environment globally competitive.”

Talbot added that sector-specific challenges are likely to emerge over the coming weeks, and called on the Government to monitor the impact on small and medium-sized enterprises:

There are likely to be significantly different sectoral challenges arising from US policies and potential responses over the next few weeks. Government must closely monitor the impacts, particularly on SMEs, and consider measures to support viable businesses as they re-engineer their business models.”

He concluded by stressing the importance of domestic investment:

Government must pursue an urgent, relentless focus on the delivery of vital infrastructure. Delivering on what we can control has never been more vital.”

Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber stands with Chambers Ireland in supporting a coordinated response that safeguards the interests of local business and ensures continued economic resilience.

For More Information or Comment:

Colette O’Sullivan – CEO, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Chamber – ceo@dlrchamber.ie