Ireland has posted a striking surge in export growth, with September’s goods exports rising 27.8 per cent to exceed €28 billion. The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office reveal a sustained nine-month upswing, bringing total exports to €212.2 billion, up almost €50 billion from last year. The standout driver is the medical and pharmaceutical sector, which has expanded at an exceptional pace and now accounts for nearly two-thirds of all Irish goods exports.

Exports of medical and pharmaceutical products jumped from €10.7 billion to €18.7 billion year-on-year in September, reflecting stronger demand and increased US-bound shipments. Exports to the United States more than doubled for the month, hitting €16.3 billion. Cumulative US exports for the year have reached €100.5 billion, a 90 per cent increase on the same period in 2024.

This momentum has fortified Ireland’s trade surplus, which reached €16.1 billion in September as exports once again outpaced imports. However, the concentration of growth within the pharmaceutical sector raises strategic questions. Analysts warn that a heavy dependence on one sector heightens exposure to international trade tariffs, urging policymakers to ensure long-term resilience by safeguarding competitiveness and exploring diversification where possible.

Ireland’s top three export destinations – the US, the Netherlands and Britain – now account for more than 70 per cent of total exports. Shipments to other EU markets, however, fell sharply by one third compared with last year. Imports also edged higher to €11.1 billion.

Despite structural risks, tax experts report broad-based gains across most sectors and destinations, describing Ireland’s export profile as robust heading into the final quarter. The strong US demand remains a critical engine of economic performance.

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