Irish exports to US jump by 81% in January – CSO
There was an 81% surge in Irish exports to the US in January compared with the same month a year earlier, according to the Central Statistics Office.
Total medical and pharmaceutical products sold abroad grew by 68%, today’s CSO figures show.
There have been anecdotal indications that some companies could be stockpiling goods in the US ahead of tariffs being imposed by the Trump administration.
However, the CSO figures represent one month and are frequently volatile.
CSO statistician Jane Burmanje said that Ireland recorded a surplus in goods trade of €12.2 billion in January this year.
“The increase in the goods trade surplus was driven by a rise in exports, particularly the export of pharmaceuticals,” she said.
“Exports of goods to the United States were €11.7 billion in January 2025, accounting for 48.4% of total good exports, while imports of goods from the US were €2.1 billion, representing 19.7% of total imports, making it the largest market for Ireland in this period,” she added.
The unadjusted value of goods exports rose by €5.3 billion (28.2%) to €24.2 billion compared with January 2024 (€18.9 billion).
When seasonally adjusted, exports of goods grew by €4.8 billion (26.4%) to €23 billion in January 2025 compared with December 2024, today’s CSO figures show.
Carol Lynch, Head of Customs and International Trade Services at BDO, noted that the US was the country’s largest goods export market in January, likely driven by companies seeking to export ahead of potential tariffs on EU products.
Interestingly, imports from the US have also risen, most likely reflecting anticipation of EU tariffs on American products, she added.
Ms Lynch also said the value of exports to Great Britain declined by 22% year-on-year, a drop mainly concentrated in the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sector, which saw a decrease of €384m in January of this year compared to January 2024.
But there was a significant increase in chemical and pharmaceutical exports to the EU to offset this, which rose by more than €500m over the same time.
In the agri-food sector, exports to Great Britain have grown, increasing by €29m year-on-year, a positive sign for the domestic economy, she also noted.
Carol Lynch said that with international trade conditions evolving rapidly, particularly amid potential US tariffs on EU goods, Irish traders must act swiftly to adapt.
“Those exporting to the US market, in particular, should immediately reassess their strategies to mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities in the changing landscape,” she said.
“We advise that companies now need to act swiftly to ensure their products are exported prior to the imposition of tariffs,” she added.
Article Source – Irish exports to US jump by 81% in January – CSO – RTE
