Pharma drives record exports but food firms 'face challenges'

Ireland's exports topped €16bn in December — up half a billion on the previous month, and €3bn more than in December 2021

Ringaskiddy in the Port of Cork is playing a part in Ireland's export boom. Another trend highlighted by the CSO figures is the surge in cross-border trade with the North, up 31% year on year. 

Exports of goods by the companies making pharma products continued a winning run in December, suggesting foreign-owned multinationals will again drive economic growth this year.

The Central Statistics Office figures show that all types of companies exported €16.4bn of goods in December, an increase of €575m from November, and up sharply from the €13.8bn of goods exported in December 2021.