Irish exports to Arab countries exceeds €688m in first three months of 2023

As demand for Irish products rises, exports to Algeria increased by 153% in the first three months of 2023, with a 97% rise in Qatar and a 76% increase in Lebanon

With a population of around 36 million, Saudi Arabia remains the largest importer of Irish goods out of all Arab states. Picture David Creedon

Following a record year for exports, Irish trade with middle eastern countries has skyrocketed in the first three months of 2023.

Latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show Ireland exported more than €688m worth of goods to Arab countries between January and March this year, with Bord Bia reporting a 15% surge in food and drink exports to middle eastern countries during the same period.