Ireland’s Top Trading Partners

Ireland’s top trading partners in 2023 include the United States, Germany, the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, China, Italy, Japan, Canada, and France.

Located in north-western Europe, Ireland is the:

• 13th largest economy in Europe
• 7th largest economy in the Eurozone
• 25th largest economy worldwide

Ireland shares its only land border with Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom. It is also encircled by the Atlantic Ocean, St George’s Channel to the southeast, the Celtic Sea to the south, and the Irish Sea to the east.

The Republic of Ireland shipped $209.5 billion worth of exported products to its trading partners in 2023.

From a continental view, 56% of Irish goods exported went to fellow European countries and 30% to North American buyers. Furthermore, It shipped another 12% of its exports to its key Asian trading partners.

Since Ireland has about 5.28 million people, $209.5 billion in exports in 2023 is about $39,680 for everyone in the country.

Ireland’s Top Exports

The following export product groups represent the highest dollar value in Irish exports in 2023.

• Pharmaceuticals ($71.6 billion): a significant hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and exports of medicines, medical devices, and vaccines.
• Organic chemicals ($44.6 billion): Used in various industries, including pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.
• Optical, technical, and medical apparatus ($19.9 billion): Key exporter of medical devices like diagnostic apparatus, medical instruments, and related equipment.
• Electrical machinery and equipment ($10.7 billion): Semiconductors, integrated circuits, and other electrical components essential for various industries, especially in high-tech manufacturing.
• Machinery, including computers ($10.5 billion): various industrial machines and mechanical tools vital for manufacturing worldwide.

Ireland’s Main Industries

Pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, chemicals, software, and medical devices.

Trade Organizations

The European Union and World Trade Organization.

Ireland’s Top 10 Largest Trading Partners

Below is a list showcasing 10 of Ireland’s top trading partners regarding Irish export sales. These countries imported the most Irish cargoes by dollar value during 2023.

• United States ($58.8 billion): Ireland’s largest export market, primarily for pharmaceuticals, organic chemicals, medical devices, and technology services.
• United Kingdom ($24.3 billion): Despite Brexit, the UK remains a crucial market for Irish exports, including agri-food products, chemicals, beverages, and machinery, due to geographic proximity and historical ties.
• Germany ($22.1 billion): Key European market for Irish exports, particularly pharmaceuticals, machinery, and organic chemicals.
• Belgium ($20.0 billion): Much of Ireland’s pharmaceutical and chemical products are exported to Belgium.
• Netherlands ($18.05 billion): Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, and food products are vital Irish exports to the Netherlands.
• China ($9.7 billion): A crucial market for Ireland in Asia for exporting, primarily in agricultural and food products.
• France ($7.4 billion): France is a crucial market for Irish agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, and beverages.
• Italy ($6.7 billion): Machinery, beverages, and chemicals are prominent in exports to Italy.
• Switzerland ($4.5 billion): Ireland exports pharmaceuticals and medical devices to Switzerland.
• Canada ($4.4 billion): A significant market for Irish pharmaceuticals.

Companies Servicing Ireland’s Top Trading Partners

• Accenture (computer services)
• Actavis (pharmaceuticals)
• Covidien (medical equipment, supplies)
• CRH (construction materials)
• Ingersoll-Rand (conglomerates)
• Kerry Group (food processing)
• Perrigo (pharmaceuticals)
• Seagate Technology (computer storage devices)
• Shire (pharmaceuticals)
• Smurfit Kappa Group (paper products)