Mulvihill pointed to a specific and pressing threat to Irish dairy exports: the recent collapse of the US dollar. He explained that when this currency depreciation is combined with a 15% tariff, it creates a total economic barrier that functions like a much higher 30% tariff. This currency volatility and tariff risk highlights the fragile nature of international agribusiness trade and the powerful influence of macroeconomic factors on local producers’ livelihoods.

Despite these serious concerns, Mulvihill acknowledged that the final deal could have been worse. He noted that the 15% tariff was not applied on top of existing tariffs, giving Ireland a more favorable rate compared to competitors like the United Kingdom and New Zealand. This detail, while providing some relief, underscores the high-stakes negotiations that define international dairy economics and the constant jockeying for competitive advantage among major exporting nations.

Looking ahead, Mulvihill revealed that negotiations are ongoing to achieve a more favorable outcome. He specifically mentioned a push for a “zero for zero, win-win tariff” on crucial goods like casein, a product that Ireland exports to the US in large volumes. This pursuit of a balanced and mutually beneficial trade arrangement illustrates the industry’s focus on securing open markets and avoiding a race to the bottom in terms of tariffs and trade barriers.