Dublin: Pharmaceutical exports from Ireland to the United States have experienced a dramatic increase, rising 146% year-on-year, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The surge is attributed to exporters anticipating potential tariffs from the U.S. administration.
Between February 2024 and February 2025, Irish pharmaceutical exports to the U.S. increased from €4.2 billion to €12.9 billion, highlighting the critical role of the pharmaceutical sector in Ireland’s economy.
Pharma Drives Overall Export Growth
In February 2025, exports of medical and pharmaceutical products rose by €9.2 billion (145.7%) to reach a total of €15.6 billion compared to the same month last year. This sector alone accounted for a significant share of Ireland’s total exports for the month, the CSO reported.
The data also show that exports to the United States in February made up a substantial share of overall export trade, rising to over 50%, up from 26.1% during the same period last year. This increase is viewed as a strategic response to the anticipated trade measures from the Trump administration.
“This significant jump in U.S.-bound exports bears all the hallmarks of a pre-emptive move,” said Dr. Loretta O’Sullivan, Chief Economist for Ireland.
Growth in Seasonal and Non-Seasonal Exports
Ireland’s seasonally adjusted exports of goods in February increased by €700.9 million (2.8%) to €25.5 billion, while non-seasonally adjusted exports reached €24.6 billion—an increase of €8.7 billion (54.3%) compared to February 2024.
Trade by Country
The top export destinations for Ireland in February were:
- United States: €12.9 billion
- Netherlands: €1.9 billion (7.7% of total exports)
- Germany: €1.5 billion (6.2% of total exports)
On the import side, the United States remained Ireland’s largest source of goods, accounting for:
- €2 billion in imports, followed by
- Germany: €1.5 billion (12.8%)
- United Kingdom: €1.4 billion (16%)
UK Trade Fluctuations
Exports to the UK in February surged to €1.195 billion, up from €14 million in the same month last year. Conversely, imports from the UK decreased by €46.3 million (3.3%), totalling €1.4 billion—a slight decline compared to February 2024.
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