Irish Exports to the Arab Region soar!

6% Increase in Irish Exports to Arab Region

• Exports exceed €1.5 billion for first half of 2025

• With the Government’s Action Plan on Market Diversification set to see new markets targeted as a result of US tariffs, is the Arab region of some 488m people poised to become Ireland’s most important trade partner?

26.08.2025: Ireland exported €1.5 billion¹ worth of goods to the Arab region during the first half of 2025, a 5.83 percent increase on the same period last year, reflecting resilient demand in eastern markets despite ongoing geopolitical and economic challenges.

According to the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce (AICC) in Dublin, trade with the region strengthened in several core markets, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE); Egypt. Iraq and Qatar have also emerged as buoyant markets for trade with Ireland.

Saudi Arabia remains Ireland’s largest import market in the region, with trade exports valued at €524.3 million, an increase of 8.79 percent compared with the same period in 2024.

The UAE followed with €389.4 million, posting modest growth of 1+ percent.

Egypt recorded a 6.68 percent increase in Irish imports to €130 million, while Iraq saw the sharpest growth among the larger markets, climbing 15.4 percent to €100 million.

Irish exports to Arab states are valued at more than double the value of imports from the region, highlighting sustained demand for high quality Irish products such as dairy, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, electronics and transport equipment.

Other markets of note include:

• Algeria: €60M (+7.18%)

• Kuwait: €53M (+2.12%)

• Qatar: €45M (+18.8%)

Growing Opportunities for Irish Firms

Commenting on the figures, AICC CEO Ahmad Younis said: “The latest trade figures for the first half of the year are good news for Ireland’s export market, which has been shaken by the volatility and uncertainty of US trade policy.  Irish exporters continue to find strong and growing demand in the Arab world and our performance in Saudi Arabia and the UAE in particular shows how adaptable Irish businesses can be in navigating new opportunities.”

Recent figures from the Central Statistics Office show that Irish exports to the United States fell by almost 60% between May and June 2025 and Mr Younis said that the sharp swing illustrates the risks of Ireland’s over reliance on a single market.  “By contrast, trade with Arab states has remained consistent. Growing populations together with a reliance on imports are creating significant demand and there is now a golden opportunity for Irish companies willing to look beyond traditional trade partners and markets,” said Younis

Recognising the challenges being faced by Ireland’s exporters, the Arab Irish Chamber of Commerce is co-hosting a business summit that will bring together industry leaders, policy makers and exporters to discuss new trade prospects and strategies for expansion into the region. Taking place on September 18 at the Mansion House in Dublin, the Arab Irish Business Summit will feature insight, advice and candid discussion from Irish entrepreneurs and senior executives already doing business in the Middle East & Gulf. Speakers include Bobby Healy, Manna; Chanelle McCoy, Chanelle McCoy Health; Jim Healy, NuLumenTek; George Mullan, SIS Pitches and Anita Thomas of Emirates.

The summit will also hear from senior business leaders from the Arab states who will share their own invaluable insights on the market. For more information, visit www.aicc.ie

1 CSO Figures Jan – June 2025