Navigator
Ireland
(information)
Population as of 2020: 4.94 million 122 of 193
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Region: Europe
Nominal G.D.P. in 2024: $577.4 billion 25 of 193
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Top Exports
Ireland exported roughly **$230–250 billion in goods in 2024**, with one of the most **specialized, high-value export structures in the world**, dominated by **pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and high-tech products**. | Rank | Export Category | Notes | | ---- | ------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Pharmaceuticals** | By far the largest sector (~40–50% of exports). | | 2 | **Chemicals (organic & specialty)** | Closely linked to pharma production. | | 3 | **Medical & optical instruments** | Includes medical devices. | | 4 | **Machinery (industrial equipment)** | Includes specialized machinery. | | 5 | **Electrical machinery & electronics** | Computers, components, IT hardware. | | 6 | **Food & beverages** | Dairy, meat, and processed foods. | | 7 | **Plastics & plastic articles** | Industrial materials. | | 8 | **Computers & IT equipment** | Strong tech sector presence. | | 9 | **Aircraft & aircraft parts** | Linked to leasing and aviation industry. | | 10 | **Chemicals for pharmaceuticals (intermediates)** | Inputs for drug production. | Key individual export products (by value) | Rank | Product | Estimated Value (USD) | | ---- | ----------------------------------------------- | --------------------- | | 11 | **Packaged pharmaceuticals (medicaments)** | ~$100–130 billion | | 12 | **Organic chemical compounds** | ~$30–50 billion | | 13 | **Medical devices & instruments** | ~$20–30 billion | | 14 | **Computers & data processing machines** | ~$20–30 billion | | 15 | **Integrated circuits & electronic components** | ~$10–20 billion | | 16 | **Aircraft & aircraft parts** | ~$10–20 billion | | 17 | **Dairy products (milk powder, butter)** | ~$5–10 billion | | 18 | **Beef & meat products** | ~$5–10 billion | | 19 | **Plastic materials** | ~$5–10 billion | | 20 | **Alcoholic beverages (e.g., whiskey)** | ~$5–10 billion | Key Takeaways * **Pharma dominance:** Ireland is one of the world’s largest exporters of **pharmaceuticals**, driven by multinational companies. * **High-value economy:** Exports are concentrated in **high-tech and life sciences**, not raw materials. * **Tech & manufacturing hub:** Strong presence of **U.S. multinationals** (pharma and tech). * **Small but powerful:** Despite its size, Ireland is a **top global exporter per capita**. Top Importers of Ireland’s Exports (2024) | Rank | Country | Notes | | ---- | ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | 1 | **United States** | By far the largest market; pharmaceuticals, medical devices, tech goods. | | 2 | **Germany** | Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. | | 3 | **Belgium** | Pharmaceuticals and chemicals (EU distribution hub). | | 4 | **United Kingdom** | Food products, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. | | 5 | **Netherlands** | Trade hub; re-exports across Europe. | | 6 | **France** | Pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and industrial goods. | | 7 | **China** | Pharmaceuticals and medical products. | | 8 | **Italy** | Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. | | 9 | **Switzerland** | Pharmaceuticals and chemicals. | | 10 | **Spain** | Pharmaceuticals and industrial goods. | Key Patterns * **United States dominates**: * Often accounts for a very large share of exports, especially for **pharmaceuticals and tech products**. * **EU remains central**: * Many top partners are **European countries**, reflecting Ireland’s integration in EU markets. * **Pharma-driven trade**: * Most exports to top partners are **high-value pharmaceuticals and chemicals**. * **Trade hubs matter**: * Countries like **Belgium and the Netherlands** act as **distribution centers**.
