Botox, baby formula and contact lenses among key Irish exports to Arab region

Total Irish exports to Arab states rose by 2% last year, totalling more than €3bn

Irish trade to the UAE also rose in the year, increasing by 2% to €656m.

Botox, baby formula and contact lenses were among the top products exported from Ireland to the Arab world last year, with trade in the region holding strong in 2023 despite a global slump in export activity. 

The value of Irish exports to Arab states rose by 2% to more than €3bn in 2023 as trade relations continue to strengthen between the two regions.

Saudi Arabia remains the most important of the Arab states to Irish businesses, with total goods export value rising 9% in 2023 to almost €932m. Irish trade to the UAE also rose in the year, increasing by 2% to €656m.

In addition, Ireland has recorded significant export growth with several other Arab nations, with trade to Morocco rising by 34% to €157m and exports to both Egypt and Qatar rising by 13% in 2023. 

The Arab region is highly reliant on imports, says Ahmad Younis, chief executive of the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce. Botox was among the top products exported from Ireland to the region following a global surge in demand for the cosmetic product.

It is believed that Ireland holds around 80% of the global market share for Botox production, with a site in Westport, Co. Mayo the sole manufacturing facility owned by pharma giant Abbvie for the production of the cosmetic product.

Contact lenses, baby formula, pharmaceuticals, power-generating machinery and dairy products were also among the top products heading east from Irish businesses, which includes a growing number of small to medium enterprises (SMEs).

"Ireland's trade relationship, particularly with the Gulf regions, has strengthened significantly in recent years," said Mr Younis. "Regular trade missions led by the Irish at ministerial levels have made trade relations stronger than ever."