CSO stats show continued decline in exports but welcome growth in GB market - BDO analysis

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

The latest CSO statistics show a continuation of last month's trajectory with exports continuing to decline year on year. While this was to be expected compared to April 2025 when exports were dominated by frontloading of pharmaceutical exports to the US, what is probably more notable is the decline relative to April 2024:

  • April 2024: €19.4bn
  • April 2025: €21.8bn
  • April 2026: €18.2bn

 
Interestingly, however, while we can see US exports reducing, we are also seeing a significant percentage increase in exports to Great Britain – up to almost €1.9bn versus €1.2bn in 2025; a 52% change. This is to be welcomed considering the tenth anniversary of Brexit on June 23 and the second EU-UK summit taking place on July 22. 


READ FULL COMMENTARY

Carol Lynch, Head of Customs and International Trade Services at BDO, said the timing of this increase was very positive given Ireland's forthcoming Presidency of the EU. She added:

While the immediate post-Brexit period was defined by separation, what is now emerging is something more pragmatic: a gradual recalibration towards cooperation, driven by economic reality. 

Ireland is uniquely positioned within that reset. As the EU member state with the closest economic ties to the UK, Ireland has both an interest in - and an ability to influence - how this relationship evolves.

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

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