US Tariffs: What do Irish Businesses need to know now?

The latest tariff changes and what they mean for Ireland.

In brief

• The U.S. is changing how it applies tariffs, and Irish exporters are watching closely as new charges and refund steps continue to develop.
• Companies in Ireland are preparing for more paperwork and slower processing times.
• Leaders are keeping plans open to allow for steady updates as the U.S., EU and industry groups work through the next stage of trade activity.

February Update: US Tariffs and Key Points for Businesses

Just when tariffs seem like part of the new normal and everything is business as usual; everything changes. A Supreme Court decision on 20 February 2026 removed the legal foundation for sweeping IEEPA based emergency tariffs, and we are now in a period of administrative rewiring.

Washington is introducing new global levies of 10% under alternative statutes, while longstanding sectoral duties on steel, aluminium, autos and copper remain in place. Markets and governments are treating this as an ongoing structural reset that requires close tracking, rather than a turning point.

Trading partners are staying in the room. U.S. officials are signalling continuity, and countries with existing agreements have kept lines of communication open. European institutions are seeking clarity on next steps because the changes interact with previously negotiated commitments and could impact expectations around investment and market access. Global responses reflect a shared need for predictability as countries review how the new tariff environment interacts with long term industrial plans and production footprints.

In Ireland, we are watching this closely at a government, industry and enterprise level. With an end goal of stable, rules-based trade, we are coordinating with EU partners while monitoring the U.S. response.

Exporters see a mixed landscape ahead and businesses are preparing for administrative complexity as previously paid tariffs may move into refund processes. Enterprise groups are reviewing the implications for jobs, investment and enduring competitiveness, especially in sectors with deep U.S. linkage. Companies should plan on pulling their ACE data and running it through a modelling tool to see their duty exposure and build the entry‑level inventory linked to IEEPA and Section 122 measures. That inventory becomes the base for any future refund activity.

Three takeaways:

• Stay close to your U.S. exposure: Build a clear view of which products or supply lines are affected by the existing sector-based tariffs, and which could be impacted by the newly launched global baseline measures.
• Plan for administrative friction: Tariff refunds, impacted import entry filings and adoption of new compliance steps may take time. Preparation now will reduce disruption later.
• Keep investment plans flexible: The trade policy environment is changing in increments. Having a measurable impact model at enterprise and operational level is best practice. A rolling review of capital plans, pricing, and market strategies will help teams stay ahead of any new measures.

To understand what these changes mean for your sector and your 2026 planning, connect with your EY Ireland team. We can help you map the scenarios, identify pressure points, and outline practical next steps for your business