Trump-EU trade deal sparks concerns for Northern Ireland, says UUP’s Aiken

Inset: Ulster Unionist Party MLA Dr Steve Aiken OBE

Ulster Unionist Party MLA Dr Steve Aiken OBE has warned that the latest US-EU tariff agreement under former President Donald Trump’s potential trade policy could add further strain to Northern Ireland’s already complex trading position.

Speaking as the UUP’s Windsor Framework spokesperson, Dr Aiken responded to news that the EU has accepted a 15% reciprocal tariff deal with the United States.

“The announcement that the EU has climbed down and accepted a near across-the-board reciprocal tariff of 15% with the USA will bring a degree of certainty to businesses across the EU,” said Aiken.

“While detail has still to be worked out, the cliff edge of a 30% tariff imposition has been avoided.”

He acknowledged the UK-wide benefit of a separate 10% tariff agreement negotiated with Washington, stating,

“For the UK as a whole, the 10% tariff we have negotiated with POTUS is a deal that should give us a more favourable trading position.”

However, Aiken cautioned that Northern Ireland’s situation remains uniquely constrained due to the continued application of the Windsor Framework and the Irish Sea Border.

“As ever, the Irish Sea Border will bring multiple complications; vital imports to Northern Ireland from the United States will have to be managed through another level of bureaucracy that many small & medium companies will struggle with,” he said.

Aiken criticised the UK Government’s handling of the Framework’s implementation, claiming it has added significant burdens to businesses and consumers alike.

“This is on top of the full-fat ‘faithful implementation’ Windsor Framework that is now adding so much burden to our companies and consumers. Tariff variations are just another area of contention that it is unlikely the Secretary of State will take a firm stance on to support what’s best for Northern Ireland, as he clearly hasn’t so far.”

He also suggested that the Republic of Ireland may face even greater economic and diplomatic pressure. Aiken noted that the pharmaceutical sector in the south would be particularly affected by the 15% tariff, and added that tensions with Washington are growing over proposed Irish legislation.

“For our Southern Neighbours, the 15% tariff, especially for the Pharma sector, will be very unwelcome news. Coupled with the very real threat of sanctions if the Irish press ahead with their IOPT bill, that is widely seen across the USA as being anti-semitic, and a strong demand from POTUS for European nations to spend 5% of GDP on defence, rather than a minuscule 0.03%, it’s clear that Ireland ‘most favoured’ nation status is a thing of the past in Washington.”

Concluding with a touch of sarcasm, Aiken quipped:

“I don’t think a round of golf at Doonbeg would help, but President Trump would be made very welcome at Royal Portrush.”