US still Ireland's top export partner in April despite 62% fall
Ireland's top exporting partner in April remained the US, despite a significant fall amid Trump's tariff announcements.
Of Ireland's total goods exported in April this year, 44.5% – equating to €9.7 billion – went to the US, latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show.
Exports of total Irish goods to the US fell by €16 billion (-62%) in April 2025 compared with March 2025 (€25.7 billion).
However, year-on-year, exports of goods to the US rose by €3.2 billion (+48.6%) in April 2025 compared with April 2024 (€6.6 billion).
Imports of goods from the US fell by €600 million (-33%) to €1.2 billion in April 2025 compared with March 2025 (€1.8 billion).
Year-on-year, imports from the US decreased by €573.6 million (-32.2%) in April 2025 compared with the same period a year ago (€1.78 billion).
Food and live animal exports
Food and live animal exports from Ireland to the US increased in April 2025 to €80 million from €64 million in April 2024.
Imports of US food and live animals to Ireland declined to €15 million in April 2025 from €23 million a year previously.
The latest figures underline the importance of the US as a key market for Ireland's food industry.
Total exports to the US in the early part of this year – especially chemicals and related products, which include medical and pharmaceutical products – surged as companies acted to avoid potential tariffs that the US tried to impose from April.
A significant threat is posed by US President Donald Trump's threatened tariff rates for EU goods if they come into force in July.
Negotiations are ongoing between the US and the bloc amid a 90-day pause on the tariffs to allow for talks. This pause is due to expire on July 9.
Other markets
The Netherlands and Great Britain were also significant destinations for Irish goods in April, with 9.5% (€2.1 billion) and 6.2% (€1.35 billion) of total export goods destined for these markets.
Ireland imported the highest value of goods from Germany, Great Britain, and the US in April 2025, with these countries representing 15% (€1.6 billion), 12.4% (€1.3 billion) and 11.3% (€1.2 billion) of the total import trade for the month respectively.
Total exports to Great Britain increased by €3.9 million (+0.3%) to €1.35 billion in April 2025 compared with April 2024 (€1.34 billion).
The products accounting for the largest share of exports to Great Britain were food and live animals at €452.7 million, and machinery and transport equipment at €260.5 million, representing 33.6% and 19.3% of total exports to Great Britain in April 2025 respectively.
Imports from Great Britain – which accounted for 12.4% of total import trade in April 2025 – increased by €60.8 million (+4.8%) to €1.33 billion in April 2025 compared with the same month a year ago (€1.27 billion).
The products accounting for the largest share of imports from Great Britain in April 2025 were mineral fuels, lubricant,s and related materials at €271.3 million, and food and live animals at €232.2 million, representing 20.4% and 17.5% respectively.
Decline in value of exports
Jane Burmanje, statistician in the CSO's international trade in goods division said that the value of exports of good declined in April 2025 compared with March 2025, but remained above April 2024 figures.
She said: 'In April 2025, exports of goods fell by 43% (€16.2 billion) to €21.9 billion compared with March 2025 (€38.1 billion).
'Exports of goods increased by €2.5 billion (+12.7%) to €21.9 billion in April 2025 compared with April 2024 (€19.4 billion).'
Burmanje said that the fall in the value of exports of goods in April compared with March 2025 was primarily driven by a decline in exports to the US.
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