Minister warns British tariffs could spell disaster for Irish farmers
Additional cost to beef producers alone would be almost €800m, association estimates
Dublin — Plans by Britain to levy import tariffs on beef, lamb and dairy products if it crashes out of the EU without a deal will be potentially disastrous for Irish farmers, agriculture minister Michael Creed said on Wednesday. Britain laid out plans to temporarily eliminate tariffs on many goods and keep the border between Ireland and Northern Ireland free of customs checks as MPs prepared to vote on Wednesday on if it should leave the EU without a transition agreement. But protections would remain in place for, among others, carmakers and meat and dairy farmers. Ireland’s €3.1bn of trade in food and live animals with Britain in 2018 represented more than 40% of all exports in that category. The Irish Farmers’ Association estimated the additional cost to beef producers alone from the tariffs would be almost €800m. “This is potentially a disaster, yes,” Creed told national broadcaster RTE. “We’re involved now in a very detailed analysis of what the implications are … it’s not a pre...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.