Year-on-year exports continue to rise despite a monthly drop


Carol Lynch, Partner & Head of Customs and International Trade Services, was featured in Business Plus with her commentary on latest update from CSO.

Read Carol's full commentary


The unadjusted value of exports fell by €16.2bn in April following a rush of pharmaceutical exports the previous month ahead of US President Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement.

Figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show goods exports totalled €21.9bn, a decline of 43% from March (€38.1bn) but an increase of €2.5bn or 12.7% year-on-year.

The unadjusted value of goods imports came to €10.8bn in April, down 18% or €2.4bn from March (€13.1bn).

Exports to the US fell 62% or €16bn to €9.7bn month-on-month, accounting for practically all of the decline, but increased by €3.2bn or 48.6% from last April.

Exports of medical & pharmaceutical products dropped by €12.8bn or 54% on a monthly basis, but again increased significantly (+€2.1bn or +23.6%) to €10.9bn compared to a year ago.

Overall exports in April 2025 increased by 12.7% (or €21.9bn) compared with April 2024. However, as was to be expected, exports in April 2025 fell by 43% compared to March 2025. This is largely attributable to a reduction in exports to the US as stockpiling decreased after the imposition of the Liberation Day Universal tariffs on 5th April. Exports to the US decreased by €16bn (62%) compared to March 2025. This is similar to export trends from other countries, such as the UK, to the US.

Carol LynchPartner and Head of Customs & International Trade Services, BDO Ireland

Content adapted from Business Plus. 

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