Exports from Ireland rose to their highest level ever in 2021, with a surge in cross-border trade.

A €62 billion trade in medical and pharma products accounted for 38% of all exports.

Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures show the value of exports rose to €165.2 billion in 2021, the highest level on record and an increase of €3 billion (2%) over 2020.

Exports to the North were €3,696 million in 2021, an increase of €1,290 million (+54%) on 2020.

The US continues to be Ireland’s biggest single goods export market, accounting for €52,526 million, or almost 31.8%, of total exports in 2021.

This is an increase of €1,990 million (+3.9%) on the 2020 value. 

The EU accounted for €61,445 million (37%) of total exports in 2021.

Exports to non-EU countries (excluding the UK) were valued at €85,663 million in 2021, which is an increase of €2,461 million (+2.9%) on the 2020 level of exports. 

Exports to Great Britain in 2021 were €14,409 million, which is an increase of €2,100 million (+17%) compared with 2020.

Exports to Britain accounted for 9% of total exports in 2021. Exports to the North were €3,696 million in 2021, an increase of €1,290 million (+54%) on 2020.

Prosperity

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said that Ireland’s export-orientated economy sustains hundreds of thousands of jobs and the country’s prosperity.

“We should never be complacent about the need to maintain pro-enterprise policies and be supportive of free trade,” he added.