Tariff threats put Ireland’s pharma success in the spotlight

Donald Trump’s warning of up to 250% tariffs on European pharmaceutical exports has thrown fresh uncertainty into Ireland’s most valuable sector. While the EU’s latest trade pact with Washington is designed to avert a full-blown trade war, it has still attracted criticism for concessions on tariffs, weapons, and energy purchases.

Ireland’s position as a global pharma hub — and its €156bn in corporate tax over the past decade — makes it both a prime target and a critical player in this unfolding story. The latest exchequer returns show record revenues, but fiscal advisers caution against overreliance on such volatile income. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has warned that external shocks could upend projections, underscoring the need for a more resilient revenue base.

For the pharma sector, the stakes are high: market access, supply chain security, and investment planning are now in sharper focus as transatlantic trade tensions escalate. Strategic agility will be key to navigating the months ahead.

Read the full article for deeper insights into the shifting trade landscape.