International trade on agenda in Cork Chamber meeting with new US ambassador

Cork Chamber has met with the new US ambassador to discuss concerns over tariffs, which the chamber CEO said are a “significant cause for concern” for many sectors, with several represented at the meeting.

Cork business representatives and ambassador Edward S Walsh met on Friday to discuss priorities for Cork’s business community in the context of the current international trading environment.

The meeting marked the first formal engagement between the newly appointed ambassador and Cork Chamber, with many key sectors of Cork’s economy represented at the meeting — including pharmaceuticals, tech, tourism, agrifood, and financial services.

After the meeting, Cork Chamber president Rob Horgan said: “The economic partnership between the Cork region and the US brings immense value and economic benefits for both sides, supporting transatlantic trade for firms of all sizes and employment here in Cork and in the US.”

Chamber CEO Conor Healy added:

“The Cork region and the US benefit from a long-established and mutually beneficial trading relationship. Recent moves towards the imposition of tariffs and other restrictions on trade are a significant cause for concern for many in the business community. We have consistently engaged with the Irish government and EU stakeholders to underline the importance of a predictable, stable international trading environment.

“Today’s meeting represented an important opportunity to reiterate this message and discuss concerns directly with the US ambassador, emphasising the importance of cooperation in trade matters for business on both sides of the Atlantic.”