Meat Industry Ireland (MII) has called UK no-deal tariffs proposals “a massive threat to Irish meat exports” and state that a long extension period is now required before 29 March.

“The UK proposals suggest tariffs ranging from approximately €1,500/t on manufacturing beef up to over €2,500/t on steak exports. This level of tariff would severely undermine trade,” senior director Cormac Healy of MII said.

He added that proposed zero-tariff import quotas open the UK to competitors with lower priced beef which would erode the position of Irish beef in the UK market.

This level of tariff would severely undermine trade

Over half of all beef from Ireland is exported to the UK and Irish farmers have a heavy reliance on the UK market.

“Processors are processing animals today, facing the real risk that meat from these animals may not be able to enter to UK market or if it does, the market return being seriously devalued due to tariffs,” Healy said.

Exclusive: UK beef tariffs become reality

Brexit tariffs could cost beef sector €800m – Healy

No-deal tariffs present ‘massive threat’ to Irish beef

Meat Industry Ireland have outlined the monumental impact no-deal tariffs will have on Irish beef.