Irish Co-operative Organisation Society Opposes EU Tariffs on Food Products

The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) has made an appeal to the European Commission regarding proposed countermeasures on US imports, requesting that food products not be used as leverage in the ongoing trade dispute. ICOS President Edward Carr expressed concerns over the effects of US tariff policy, noting the uncertainty it creates.

"Fundamentally, we strongly oppose the inclusion of all food including dairy products, as part of the suite of EU countermeasures as a matter of principle," Carr emphasized. He warned that such measures could lead to higher food prices and reduced availability for consumers in both the EU and the US.

Recognizing the US as a crucial market for Irish dairy exports, valued at over €830 million in 2024, Carr highlighted the importance of avoiding unintended consequences for farmers. He underscored that the US market is driven by high value exports, such as butter and cheese.

Meanwhile, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, stated his disappointment with US tariff actions, stressing the necessity of a strong EU-US relationship to avoid mutual harm through tariffs and trade barriers.