Bord Bia has said that the introduction of a 20% tariff on Irish food and drink exports to the US "presents a significant challenge for our industry".

The Irish Food Board said that the move will disrupt established trade flows and place increased pressure on key sectors, most notably Irish drink and dairy exports.

"The US is a major export market for Irish food and drink exporters, valued at €2 billion in 2024, and will remain an important focus for our industry," Bord Bia said.

On Wednesday (April 2), US President Donald Trump announced a series of “reciprocal tariffs” on other nations, including 20% on EU imports to the US.

There will be a baseline or minimum tariff of 10% placed on all goods entering the US, which will take effect from tomorrow (Saturday, April 5).

The individualised reciprocal higher tariff on the countries with which the US has the “largest trade deficits”, including the EU, takes effect April 9.

Bord Bia said that it is "actively engaged in supporting those most exposed to these tariffs".

"We are working closely with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), as well as key industry stakeholders and relevant agencies, to mitigate the impact of the tariffs and safeguard the resilience of Ireland’s food and drink sector," a spokesperson told Agriland.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that universal tariffs announced by President Trump “is a major blow to the world economy”.

She said that the EU has “always been ready to negotiate with the US, to remove any remaining barriers to Transatlantic trade”.

“At the same time, we are prepared to respond. We are already finalising a first package of countermeasures in response to tariffs on steel.

“And we are now preparing for further countermeasures, to protect our interests and our businesses if negotiations fail," she added.

Meanwhile, the government's new Trade Forum will meet for the third time today to discuss the tariff announcement.

Tánaiste and Minister for Trade Simon Harris will chair the meeting, which will bring together government departments, State agencies, and business representative groups.

The Tánaiste said that he will "seek guidance and views" ahead of attending the EU trade meeting on Monday.

He will also "reach out to all opposition parties to ensure a regular and consistent flow of information and analysis between government and opposition on this vital issue of national interest".