The EU-India trade deal will remove a 33% tariff on Irish sheepmeat exports, unlocking a major new market for Irish sheep farmers for the first time, MEP Maria Walsh has said.
The sheepmeat sector in Ireland is worth €350 million annually, supporting more than 34,000 sheep farmers, and a further 2,000 jobs across processing and related industries.
The EU-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will eliminate the existing 33% tariff on the exports of sheepmeat from Ireland to India, significantly improving the competitiveness of Irish produce in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. Overall, the trade agreement is expected to save European exporters up to €4 billion per year in duties.
Maria Walsh MEP, full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, said:
“This agreement removes one of the biggest barriers facing Irish sheep farmers by eliminating a 33% tariff that has effectively locked us out of the Indian market. Until now, EU sheepmeat exports to India have been negligible – I hope this will change with the new deal. India is the world’s most populous country, and with the tariffs removed, an important new export destination has been unlocked for Irish sheepmeat producers.
“Ireland is the fourth-largest net exporter of sheepmeat in the world and the second-largest in Europe. This agreement strengthens our hand internationally, diversifies our export base, and supports farm families in rural communities. It creates a free-trade area covering around 25% of global GDP and two billion people.
“The agreement is also a major win for the Irish drinks industry, with tariffs on spirits reducing from 150% to 40%. This will provide a real boost to Irish whiskey producers, supporting jobs and communities right across our island.
“I welcome the exclusion of sensitive European agricultural sectors, including beef, from the deal. This shows the EU can pursue ambitious trade deals while still protecting Irish and European farmers. It is a balanced and pragmatic agreement that expands our export opportunities without undermining Irish jobs.
“Ireland must now move quickly to seize the opportunities this deal presents. The Government should launch a targeted campaign to help Irish producers build distribution channels, navigate Indian regulatory and food-safety standards, and promote the quality and reputation of Irish sheepmeat, whiskey and agri-food products in the Indian market.”