As the July 9th tariff deadline approaches, how are sectors preparing?

As the 9 July deadline for potential US tariffs approaches, Carol Lynch, Partner and Head of Customs & International Trade Services at BDO Ireland, joined RTÉ’s Today with Claire Byrne to discuss the implications for Irish exporters — particularly in the pharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing sectors.


Speaking alongside other industry experts, Carol outlined the dual-layered risk currently facing Irish businesses:

  • A 10% universal tariff already applied to most EU exports to the US (excluding pharma and semiconductors),

  • And a potential 25–50% tariff under Section 232 investigations, focused on sectors deemed critical to US national security — including pharmaceuticals, aviation and semiconductors.


The discussion highlighted growing concern over the direction of US trade policy, particularly if Section 232 duties are extended to Irish pharma exports. While the sector can typically absorb higher margins, such a shift would still mark a substantial hit to profitability — particularly for intermediate goods.

Listen to the full RTÉ clip.
 

If we look for zero-for-zero tariffs, it never really seems to gain traction as an idea, so really, the things on the table seem to consistently be – do we accept the 10% baseline tariff, but could there be agreement on pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, in particular? Or could the results of the Section 232 investigation - which is what we have on aluminium, on cars, and Autoparts - which charge that additional 25% duty - could they be softened? I think that’s where our focus is.

Carol LynchPartner and Head of Customs & International Trade Services, BDO Ireland

If your business is impacted by the Trade measures outlined above, please contact a member of the Customs and International Trade team.

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Carol Lynch

Tax Partner & Head of Customs and International Trade Services, BDO Dublin
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