🇮🇪 Ireland vs 🇬🇧 United Kingdom Tariffs — Import Duty Comparison (2026)

🇮🇪

Ireland

EU Deal Rate15%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$115B

Base Effective Rate15%

🇬🇧

United Kingdom

Section 122 Rate10%

Section 301N/A

Section 232 (Metals)50%

Trade AgreementNone

Trade Volume$138B

Base Effective Rate10%

Product Overlap

Both countries export these product categories to the US:

Pharmaceuticals

🇮🇪 Ireland Advantages

+Unique export categories: Medical devices, Organic chemicals, Computer services

🇬🇧 United Kingdom Advantages

+Lower overall tariff rate (10% vs 15%)
+Higher US trade volume ($138B vs $115B)
+Unique export categories: Machinery, Motor vehicles, Crude oil

When choosing between Ireland and United Kingdom as import sources, US businesses must weigh tariff rates, trade agreements, product availability, and supply chain logistics.

United Kingdom has a lower effective tariff rate (10%) compared to Ireland (15%), a difference of 5%.

Both countries export Pharmaceuticals to the United States, creating direct competition in these sectors.

In terms of trade volume, Ireland accounts for approximately $115B in bilateral trade with the US, compared to United Kingdom's $138B.

Ireland is an EU member and trades under the EU-US deal effective July 1, 2026 — a 15% all-inclusive ceiling with no stacking. United Kingdom is subject to the Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced the flat 10% Section 122 rate on July 24, 2026 — a two-tier 10%/12.5% duty on roughly 60 economies, broader than the earlier 46-country proposal.

Ireland's advantages include: Unique export categories: Medical devices, Organic chemicals, Computer services. United Kingdom's advantages include: Lower overall tariff rate (10% vs 15%); Higher US trade volume ($138B vs $115B); Unique export categories: Machinery, Motor vehicles, Crude oil.

For most product categories, United Kingdom currently offers lower import costs due to its tariff advantage. However, importers should consider factors beyond tariffs including shipping costs, lead times, quality standards, and supply chain reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has lower tariffs — Ireland or United Kingdom?

United Kingdom has a lower effective tariff rate (10% vs 15%). The gap reflects the EU's 15% deal ceiling versus the 10%/12.5% forced-labor tariff on non-EU countries.

Should I switch sourcing from Ireland to United Kingdom?

The decision depends on more than tariff rates. Consider total landed cost (shipping, insurance, customs fees), lead times, quality standards, minimum order quantities, and supply chain reliability. The 5% tariff difference is significant but not the only factor. Also weigh durability: the EU's 15% deal rate has no expiry, while non-EU origins pay the Section 301 forced-labor tariff (10% or 12.5% by tier) that replaced Section 122 on July 24, 2026.

Do both Ireland and United Kingdom face the same base tariff?

No — they are under different regimes as of July 1, 2026. Ireland (EU) trades under the EU-US deal's 15% all-inclusive ceiling, which has no expiration date. United Kingdom is subject to the Section 301 forced-labor tariff that replaced the flat 10% Section 122 rate on July 24, 2026 — a two-tier 10%/12.5% duty on roughly 60 economies.

What products overlap between Ireland and United Kingdom exports to the US?

Both countries export Pharmaceuticals to the US. Ireland has total bilateral trade of ~$115B while United Kingdom has ~$138B.