David McNamara: Weight loss drugs are expanding Ireland’s trade balance

Beneath the noisy headline Irish GDP data, domestic indicators point to a moderate growth picture so far in 2025

The surge in global demand for weight loss drugs could underpin Irish pharmaceuticals exports, such as Eli Lilly, in the near term, and maybe offset some of the negative effects of US tariffs in other sectors.

Mon, 08 Sep, 2025 - 10:58

David McNamara: British economy is stuck in stagnation

David McNamara is the Group Chief Economist at AIB responsible for leading the bank's macroeconomic analysis and provide insights for both national and international stakeholders.

The latest Irish GDP data provided the first full breakdown of the economy in Q2 2025.

GDP growth remains volatile (+0.2% q/q, +17% y/y), driven by a surge in exports in the first half of the year due to tariff frontrunning and the emergence of pharma production of weight loss drugs in Ireland.