Irish exports hit record highs driven by a near 40% increase in pharmaceuticals 

Finance experts warn significant driver of growth was multinationals front-loading goods exports into the US ahead of tariffs and may not be sustained

In 2025, exports of medical and pharmaceutical products increased by €38.9bn, or 39%, to €138.6bn compared with 2024. Picture: Larry Cummins

The value of Irish exports reached a record high of €260.3bn in 2025, with medical and pharmaceutical products accounting for just over 53% of the total figure, new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows.

Irish exports experienced a very strong start to 2025 as companies frontloaded delivery of goods to the US during the first quarter in anticipation of tariffs being implemented by US president Donald Trump.