5th September 2025
Enterprise Ireland Launches New Supports to Help SMEs Respond to US Trade Tariffs
Irish exporters are facing fresh challenges as US trade tariffs create uncertainty in key markets. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), these tariffs increase costs, reduce competitiveness, and place added pressure on supply chains. In response, Enterprise Ireland has announced two new supports to help client companies assess and manage the potential impact on their businesses.
Enterprise Ireland’s recent analysis highlights the scale of the challenge. Out of around 950 client companies currently exporting to the US, almost half — approximately 450 firms trading in goods — are expected to be most exposed to the new 15% tariff rate on EU goods. The extent of the impact will vary depending on each company’s level of exports and the type of products they sell. Sectors such as food and beverage, engineering, lifesciences, and consumer products are likely to be most affected. These industries alone represent about €4 billion in goods exports to the US. For context, total exports by Enterprise Ireland clients to the US reached €6.6 billion in 2024, contributing to overall exports of €36.75 billion that year.
To address these challenges, Enterprise Ireland has introduced two specific grants.
- The Market Research Grant – This scheme provides funding of up to €35,000 to help businesses fully examine the effects of US tariffs on their operations. It enables companies to commission expert analysis, gather market intelligence, and design strategies to minimise potential risks.
- The New Markets Validation Grant – Offering funding of up to €150,000, this grant supports firms in building detailed market entry plans for new products or for expansion into alternative international markets. It covers activities such as in-depth research, feasibility studies, and the development of tailored growth strategies.
Together, these initiatives give Irish SMEs a structured way to respond. Instead of reacting to tariffs in isolation, businesses can take a strategic approach: first, by understanding the direct implications of tariffs on their operations, and second, by reducing risks through diversification.
By offering practical financial and advisory support, Enterprise Ireland is helping SMEs to safeguard their competitiveness. These new grants provide not just short-term relief but also long-term resilience, equipping Irish businesses to thrive in an evolving global trade environment.
At the Right Solution Centre, we have been helping clients for more than ten years to apply for and successfully secure government grants for a wide range of business needs. If your company would like assistance in applying for these new Enterprise Ireland measures, please do not hesitate to contact us.
