We’re not out of pharm’s way & tariffs will hurt

Expert warns how the Irish economy could be hit

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HOW will Irish consumers be hit in the pocket by Trump's tariffs?

Everyone wants to know, but it's difficult to quantify.

From my analysis, cheap flights may see price hikes, state medicine schemes could be cut and poverty rates will likely increase in the wake of Trump's tariffs, it seems most likely.

Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary has said if the tariff costs spread to aircraft parts, it would lead to higher air fares for customers.

Pharmacist and politician Kate O'Connell explained that with most medicines dispensed under state schemes, if prices go up, it means less people will be treated.

Meanwhile, charity St Vincent de Paul warned any price increases as a result of the tariffs will have the most impact on those already in need.

We've seen reprieve on big pharma levies, for now. But Ms O'Connell - a chemist in Dublin and former Fine Gael TD - warns the expected future tariffs will hurt.

Pharmaceu-ticals exported from Ireland to the US last year amounted to €58bn - that's out of a total €73bn worth of products sent by us over the Atlantic.

For a small country, we're a big deal in the world of pharmaceuticals - 80% of the global supply of Botox comes from a site in Westport in Mayo.

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