Tony Healy, an Irish whiskey producer based in Dundalk near the UK border with Northern Ireland, was taken aback by the 20 percent US tariffs imposed on EU alcoholic drinks. This unexpected “curve ball” has left producers in the Republic of Ireland feeling envious of their counterparts across the border in Northern Ireland, where the tariff rate is only 10 percent. The disparity in tariff rates has put Irish whiskey producers at a disadvantage in the lucrative US market. This development has caught the attention of industry experts and stakeholders who are closely monitoring the situation. The impact of these tariffs on the Irish whiskey industry could have long-term repercussions if not addressed promptly. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.