TD Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and EmploymentRollingNews.ie

Enterprise Ireland clients achieved record exports of €36.75 billion last year, an increase of seven percent on 2023 as all territories and major sectors recorded growth.

Non-food exports achieved exports of €20.5 billion, representing growth of eight percent, while exports from the food and sustainability sector rose five percent to €16.25 billion.

The industrial and life sciences sectors recorded exports of €11.46 billion, up nine percent year-on-year. Within the sector, high-tech construction exports increased by a fifth (+20 percent) to €4.66 billion.

The technology and services sector also grew seven percent to €9.05 billion. Of this, digital tech exports reached €3.16 billion, up nine percent, and fintech, financial & business services (€2.9 billion) also reported growth of five percent.

Enterprise Ireland clients spent a total of €42.65 billion in the Irish economy, including €13 billion on payroll.

Peter Burke, the enterprise minister, said the results reflected the strength of Ireland's exporting base of companies.

"Despite a more challenging international environment, Irish exporters have made significant gains and continue to grow their influence internationally," he continued.

"These companies are a critical part of the Irish economy, and the government through Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting this sector to scale further, while preparing for and mitigating against disruption in global trade tariffs.” 

Kevin Sherry, interim chief executive of Enterprise Ireland, also referenced ongoing challenges, economic headwinds, and rising costs to client companies, who have shown "their agility and resilience as they scale internationally."

“Our results show that for the first time, Europe has surpassed the UK as the number one export territory. This demonstrates that while our client base continues to grow exports in the UK, there is less reliance and dependency on this one market with many clients broadening their base and winning business in other markets," he added.

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Exports to Europe grew eight percent to €10.63 billion, representing 29 percent of all exports by Enterprise Ireland companies.

Within Europe, the eurozone accounted for €9.42 billion worth of exports, up 9.6 percent year-on-year. The value of sales to countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and France all grew from 2023.

The UK is now the second-largest export territory for Enterprise Ireland clients at €10.52 billion, up four percent from the year prior and exceeding €10 billion for the first time.

North America also delivered growth, with exports of €7.3 billion in 2024, up eight percent on 2023. USA, the main North American export market, had exports of €6.66 billion, up eight percent on 2023. 

"Amid future geopolitical instability, Irish businesses proven ability to diversify across markets will stand to them when facing challenging and uncertain times. 

"Enterprise Ireland remains committed to supporting companies as they explore potential mitigation and market diversifications strategies to navigate the challenges of export tariffs.” 

*This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.