Ireland says EU tariff threat could cost 80,000 jobs
Stockholm, March 25 (Hibya) – The Irish government warned that up to 80,000 jobs could be lost if Donald Trump starts a trade war with the EU, and responded to US accusations of "tax fraud" by Ireland.
In the worst-case scenario, Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said, “It is very likely that between 50,000 and 80,000 jobs that would otherwise be created or maintained will not materialize.”
The Irish government also responded to claims by US Trade Secretary Howard Lutnick that Ireland is committing tax fraud.
Business Minister Peter Burke said Lutnick was wrong, after calling Ireland’s trade surplus with the US “nonsense.”
“We have the most bilateral agreements and, as part of the EU, tax treaties. So, there is absolutely no tax fraud in this country. We are very clear on transparency,” he said, adding that Ireland led the OECD’s revised tax deal that raised corporate tax from 12.5% to 15%.
Trump has already stated he will impose tariffs on the EU on April 2, calling it “liberation day.”
Two weeks ago, in a meeting with the Irish Taoiseach at the Oval Office, he made it clear that Ireland was in his sights and specifically named US pharmaceutical companies operating in Ireland, including Pfizer and Eli Lilly.
Albania News Agency
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