The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has been "preparing for tariffs and economic shocks" and has put in place "a bespoke team" to support Irish exporters, according to a minister.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke said his department is "working with our dedicated agency supporting Irish businesses, Enterprise Ireland" in response to US President Donald Trump’s world-wide tariffs - including a blanket 20% tariffs on imports from the EU to the US.

Minister Burke said today (Monday, April 7): "We have established a bespoke team which is currently engaging with (small and medium-sized enterprises) SMEs, supporting businesses around tariffs and mitigation measures, as well as offering advice and support on diversification measures.

"We continue to urge all businesses exporting to the US to engage directly with Enterprise Ireland".

The minister also detailed that Enterprise Ireland has 42 overseas offices, with specialist staff in place to grow businesses and explore new opportunities.  

"Market diversification remains a key priority, as it has been for decades, and which has seen significant success.

 “We also have dedicated schemes and grants, including a strategic consultancy grant for expert advice," Minister Burke added.

In addition to this, DETE also has an existing market discovery fund which is already open.

According to Minister Burke, he also plans to "pro-actively engage" with businesses to ensure they are "aware of these supports and ensure they are accessed at scale".

"I am conscious that this is an evolving situation which will be closely monitored and government will not be found wanting when it comes to resourcing and supporting Irish SMEs, which are the backbone of our economy," he added.