Irish Consumer Confidence Falls in July

Ireland’s Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Index dropped to 59.1 in July 2025 from 62.5 in June, hitting a three-month low as households grew more concerned about the rising cost of living and the impact of tariffs on EU exports to the US. Survey components related to household finances and spending saw the steepest declines. Analysts attributed the weakness to persistent inflation concerns and signals from the government that fewer support measures may be included in the upcoming October budget. Trade uncertainty also played a role, with the looming threat of a 30% US tariff on EU exports dampening sentiment. Still, hopes remain that a pending US-EU trade deal, reportedly set to impose a reduced 15% tariff on most goods, could help ease those fears. This decline in confidence comes despite continued strength in the domestic economy, including solid tax revenues and ongoing job growth.