NINA Carberry MEP has raised concerns with the European Commission this week over the proposed inclusion of thoroughbred horses in the list of goods imported from the US into Europe which may be subject to tariffs if the US carries out its threat to impose a 20% on European exports when its self-imposed 90-day pause expires in July.

Carberry said she was “Seeking clarification on the rationale behind including bourbon and thoroughbred horses on the proposed countermeasure list. Both of these sectors have historically thrived under free trade, both within the US and further afield. I’m concerned that if the 90 day grace period expires and these countermeasures are implemented, Ireland could find itself uniquely exposed, particularly in the event of a further tariff escalation.”

Speaking to The Irish Field, Carberry said: “American buyers spend approximately €20 million every year at the Irish sales. That money could move to the UK if the US imposes tariffs, and a retaliatory EU tariff on American imports will also hurt Ireland, mostly through the breeze-ups.

“We are in the middle of a four-week consultation period before the countermeasures are finalised and it’s important that the Irish thoroughbred industry gives the Commission the relevant statistics before the deadline.”