Irish exports to Arab nations up 6% during the first months of the year
Chief executive of Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce Ahmad Younis: 'Irish exporters are having to work harder than ever to get goods into Middle Eastern markets.'
During the early months of this year, Irish exports to Arab nations increased by 6% compared to the same time last year, with Saudi Arabia continuing to be the largest market for these goods.
However, the conflict with Iran, which began in late February, has created a difficult situation for Irish exporters to the region.
According to a report published last year by the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce, around 400 Irish-owned companies are already exporting to or operating throughout the region, across sectors including agri-food, pharmaceuticals, education, aviation and technology.
Between January and March this year, Irish exports to Arab countries were valued at €774.9m.
Chief executive of AICC Ahmad Younis said the increase in trading activity prior to and during the early weeks of the war in the Middle East “demonstrate that demand for Irish goods across the region remained strong during that period”.
“However, Irish exporters are having to work harder than ever to get goods into Middle Eastern markets.
"While some companies have made the difficult decision to pause activity or explore alternative markets, others are still active and are performing strongly, supported by hard-won contracts, strong relationships on the ground, and confidence around the long-term opportunities across the Middle East,” he said.
Saudi Arabia remained the largest market for Irish exported goods in the region, increasing 20% year-on-year to €301.3m. Egypt recorded one of the strongest increases among major markets, with exports climbing 63% to €78.3m, while exports to Jordan increased by 93% to €31.8m.
Exports to the UAE stood at €162.1m despite a softer performance during the quarter.
Mr Younis said despite the disruption caused by the war, the “demand hasn’t gone away” and “we must not underestimate the importance of the Arab world to Irish business”.
“The challenge now is increasingly logistical, with companies facing delays, rising transport costs and ongoing uncertainty across key trade routes.
"Despite this, many Irish exporters are continuing to adapt quickly in order to maintain their presence and protect long-term opportunities in the market.”
Mr Younis pointed to the strong response of Primark (Penneys) opening in the region as a “strong signal” coming from Irish companies which shows a “long-term vision and confidence despite in-market challenges”.
Primark has opened a number of locations in Dubai and recently opened its first store in Kuwait.
The AICC added that due to the conflict in the region sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food production and medical manufacturing, particularly those reliant on time-sensitive or temperature-controlled logistics are facing increased pressure as flight disruptions, higher insurance costs and delays impact supply chains.
“Ongoing instability across key shipping corridors, including the Strait of Hormuz, has also added further uncertainty to maritime trade,” it said.
“In response, Irish exporters are adjusting quickly. As traditional sea freight routes become less reliable, some businesses are increasing their use of air freight, while others are redirecting shipments via overland routes through Saudi Arabia to keep goods moving.”
Mr Younis added that “we know that trade in the region is challenging for Irish companies right now, but we are seeing great tenacity as many businesses adapt to the circumstances".
"Despite the unpredictability of the situation, I believe that those who can stay committed to the region will be well placed to benefit from future growth,”
During 2025, exports to these Arab countries hit a record €3.1bn.
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