Ireland exported more than €18 billion worth of goods in June, although new figures show the value of exports across the first half of 2026 remained almost one-third below the corresponding period last year.
Figures published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) this week show goods exports were valued at €18.1 billion in June, an increase of €1.2 billion, or 7.1 per cent, compared with June 2025.
Imports grew more quickly, rising by 19 per cent year-on-year to €14.7 billion. Ireland nevertheless recorded a goods trade surplus of approximately €3.5 billion during the month.
The wider six-month picture was markedly different. Between January and June, Irish goods exports were valued at €103.6 billion, down €45.4 billion, or 30.5 per cent, compared with the first half of 2025.
Exports to the United States recorded a particularly significant fall, declining by €48.9 billion, or 65.1 per cent, to €26.2 billion during the first six months of the year.
Trade with Britain moved in the opposite direction, with exports to Great Britain increasing by 42.6 per cent to €10.3 billion over the same period.
In June alone, €4.3 billion of goods were exported to the United States, €2.1 billion to the UK and €6.6 billion to other European markets.
Chemicals and related products remained Ireland’s largest export category during June, accounting for €9.1 billion, while machinery and transport equipment accounted for €4.8 billion.
Meanwhile, seasonally adjusted exports dipped by 1.4 per cent between May and June, while imports fell by 5 per cent, resulting in a 16.3 per cent increase in the seasonally adjusted trade surplus.
