Westmeath businesses encouraged to contact Local Enterprise Office with tariff concerns

With the new EU-US tariff agreement set to come into effect tomorrow (August 1), Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Westmeath is encouraging businesses in the area to take action.

The new deal imposes a 15% tariff on most EU exports into the US, although there is still a lack of clarity on the impact that this will have on businesses and specific sectors. The Local Enterprise Office is encouraging any business that feels it may be affected in any way, to get in touch.

A/Head of Enterprise for Local Enterprise Office Westmeath Tracey Tallon said: ”This new agreement gives businesses a starting point to work from and some stability in their decision making. There is still a lot to be worked out about how this will impact certain sectors but planning can begin.

“We would say to any business that feels they may be impacted, even if they are unsure, to contact us and we can guide you through it. We have a range of supports and access to export consultants and customs training that can help businesses to understand and upskill where required. There are also supports such as the new Market Explorer Grant that enables businesses to look at new markets for their products.

“So, we would say to businesses come and talk to us and we can help you map out a plan for the next six months and beyond to help you minimise the impact of these new tariffs and potentially look at new markets to exploit," she added.

The Local Enterprise Offices across the country will be working with clients to navigate the new customs agreement and pricing strategies. This will include assessing new markets, helping with tariff classification and also origin planning to reduce costs where possible. Eligible businesses will also be able to access the new Market Explorer Grant to look at accessing new markets for their products.

Established in 2014, the Local Enterprise Offices in the local authorities and funded by Enterprise Ireland are the essential resource for any entrepreneur looking to start a business or any small business that is looking for support or advice to help them grow.

Since their inception eleven years ago, the Local Enterprise Offices have helped create over 80,000 jobs across the country. The LEOs work with thousands of client companies across Ireland in a diverse range of sectors offering mentoring, training, expert advice and financial supports to small businesses. For more information see https://www.localenterprise.ie/Westmeath/