In the News

As locals celebrated with Irish nationals at the 72nd St. Patrick’s Parade Sunday, questions about trade and tariffs loomed over bagpipe music, Irish dancing and toasts.

Ireland and the United States have shared trade and tourism boosting both economies for years, said Geraldine Byrne Nason, ambassador of Ireland to the United States. But she said cooperation could be disrupted as President Donald Trump threatens to implement widespread tariffs.

“Every morning 200,000 Americans go to jobs created by Irish investors and we, of course, welcome the huge investment the U.S. makes in Ireland and we want that mutually beneficial relationship to continue,” Nason said Sunday, as she visited Holyoke for the weekend of St. Patrick’s festivities.

Nason is the latest of dozens of Irish officials who have marched in the parade over the past two decades. She attended the Ambassador’s Breakfast early Sunday, an event designed to promote Irish and American relations.

Ireland is now the sixth-highest source of foreign direct investment with the United States, with more than 200,000 American jobs created by Irish investors. It serves as a gateway to trade with the European Union with its 500 million consumers, she said.

While people along the parade route may have been more thinking about Irish whiskey and sweaters, Ireland’s largest exports are pharmaceuticals.

Since he took office, Trump has announced plans to impose tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico and promised massive trade duties on any country that has imposed charges on U.S. exports. The avalanche of on-again, off-again threats leaves Irish officials concerned they may soon be in the crosshairs of a trade war, Nason said.

Officials from Ireland met with Trump 10 days ago and had what Nason said were “positive discussions.” It remains to be seen what will happen.

She said she is hoping the United States will be open to a serious discussion and negotiations before tariffs are imposed.

“We are aware obviously about a lot of talk about tariffs and trade wars and that is not something that an open, free trade economy like Ireland wants to see. We don’t believe that tariffs are in anyone’s economic interest, certainly not in the interest of either Irish or American taxpayers,” she said.

The two countries have worked “hand in glove” for a century, Nason said.

“We have heard the president speak to some concerns he has about trade in Europe and Ireland stands ready as a European member state to resolve whatever the issue is, while avoiding going into any sort of tit for tat exchange,” she said.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, who marched Sunday with Nason, has been key in helping to negotiate peace agreements in Ireland over his years in the House.

He has also been instrumental in setting trade agreements, most notably the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement of 2019. Neal questioned why Trump would want to get into a trade war with its allies to the north and south as well as Europe especially since the trade agreement is due to be revisited in 2026.

Despite mention of security reasons, Neal said the countries have been friends of the United States for decades.

“I’m hoping some calm will proceed this. There already seems to be some change in tone over the past 24 hours,” he said. “Retaliatory tariffs can become revenge and it does drive up the cost with the American consumers.”

Some of the tariffs, especially against Canada, have been postponed for 30 days. That only extends the chaos and uncertainty, he said.

Neal said tariffs on Ireland could have a larger impact.

“Ireland is part of the European Union and the tariffs have a negative impact on our relationships throughout Europe,” Neal said.

Joining Neal and Nason in the parade were Sighle Fitzgerald, the Ireland consul general; and Paul Rooney, vice consul general.