Exports of goods increased by 8% in the first eight months of 2024 compared with 2023, with a value of over €143 billion with food and live animals topping the list of exports to the UK.

That’s according to the latest data published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) today (Tuesday, October 15).

The statistics are a combination of Customs-based non-EU trade statistics and data from the Intrastat Survey of Irish traders involved in trade with other EU member states

‘Chemicals and Related Products’ made up almost two-thirds of the value of exports. Ireland’s exports of goods in August 2024 were €17.3 billion. 

Imports, meanwhile, have fallen by almost €4 billion in the period from January to August 2024.

Imports in August 2024 were over €11 billion, an increase of 8% compared with August 2023. Seasonally adjusted exports were valued at €17.8 billion in August 2024, up over €300 million.

Commenting on the latest publication, Ciarán Counihan, statistician in the CSO International Trade in Goods Division, said: “Ireland’s exports of goods increased by €10.3 billion in the first eight months of this year, while imports decreased by nearly €4 billion.

“In August 2024, Ireland’s unadjusted exports of goods rose by €1.2 billion to €17.3 billion compared with August 2023. When seasonally adjusted, exports of goods grew by €328 million when compared with July 2024.

“The unadjusted imports for August 2024 were valued at €11.2 billion, up more than €850 million on August 2023. Seasonally adjusted imports were €12.3 billion in August 2024.

“Exports of Chemicals and Related Products increased by €6 billion in the first eight months of the year and accounted for almost two-thirds of all exports,” he added.

Exports and imports by region

The (unadjusted) value of goods exports increased by €1.2 billion (+8%) to €17.3 billion in August 2024 compared with August 2023.

The value of goods exports for the first eight months of 2024 grew by €10.3 billion (+8%) to €143,1 billion, when compared with the same period of 2023.

The (unadjusted) value of goods imports increased by €856 million (+8%) to €11.1 billion in August 2024 compared with August 2023.

The value of goods imports for the period January to August 2024 fell by €3.9 billion (-4%) to €87.4 billion, when compared with the same period of 2023.

Exports to Great Britain were €1.2 billion, which was 7% of total exports in August 2024, a decrease of €74 million (-6%) when compared with August 2023.

The products which accounted for the largest share of exports to the UK were food and live animals with €326 million and machinery and transport equipment at €309 million.

Imports from Great Britain in August 2024 were €1.5 Billion, which was 13% of the total value of imports.

Imports of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials were valued at €441 million, and imports of machinery and transport equipment accounted for €228 million.

The EU accounted for €6.1 billion (35%) of total goods exports in August 2024, of which €1.5 billion went to Germany, €1.5 billion went to Belgium, and €1.4 billion went to the Netherlands.

The US was the main non-EU destination accounting for €6.66 billion (38%) of total exports in August 2024.