Ireland’s current account surplus rose to €17.44 billion in the first quarter of 2026, up from €5.8 billion in the same period a year earlier, as lower merchandise exports were more than offset by a sharp reduction in investment income outflows. The surplus amounted to 12.5% of GDP, compared with 3.5% in Q1 2025.
Merchandise exports totaled €77,050 million, down €36,029 million from the first quarter of 2025, while merchandise imports increased by €7,588 million to €46,448 million.
Service exports rose by €11,528 million, driven mainly by higher computer services exports. Service imports reached €116,861 million, up €1,223 million, largely due to increased royalty payments.
Investment income earned abroad climbed by €6,911 million to €78,201 million, while investment income payable to foreign investors fell by €38,559 million to €99,735 million.
