Ireland’s trade surplus narrowed sharply to EUR 5.3 billion in April 2026, down from EUR 10.5 billion in the same month a year earlier. Exports fell 13.2% year-on-year to EUR 18.5 billion, weighed down by reduced shipments of food and live animals (-5.7%); chemicals and related products (-34.4%); medicinal and pharmaceutical products (-27.9%); and essential oils, perfume materials, and toilet preparations (-11.9%). By destination, exports declined notably to Belgium (-57.4%), Italy (-27.8%), Poland (-22.9%), and the United States (-45.1%).
At the same time, imports rose 22% to EUR 13.2 billion, driven by higher purchases of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (41.6%); petroleum and petroleum products (54%); and machinery and transport equipment (50.5%). On a country basis, imports increased from Taiwan (506%), the United States (23%), and the Netherlands (22.6%).
Over the first four months of 2026, the trade surplus stood at EUR 18.2 billion, well below the EUR 61.89 billion recorded in the corresponding period a year earlier.
