Ireland has moved to the top of the rankings of the latest HSBC Trade Confidence Index for Europe.
The country's ranking rose two points to stand at 119 in the rankings, where the neutral standing is 100.
According to the index, seven out of every ten respondents here expect trade volumes to increase over the next six months.
Strong economic growth in the US and the UK were the key drivers for the outlook here with the chemicals and pharma sectors leading the way. Exports to emerging economies are expected to see the fastest pace of expansion.
The fastest growing markets for Irish exports are set to be China, Vietnam and Malaysia, with double digit export growth to these countries expected up to 2030.
The agri-business sector is also expected to grow by 40% over the next decade and a half, HSBC said in its accompanying trade forecast.
"Ireland punches well above its weight in agricultural trade, with a broad-based sector that includes global players in food sales alongside smaller producers," commented HSBC Ireland's chief executive Alan Duffy.
He said that rapidly expanding middle classes in countries like China offer strong Irish export potential.
"Our climate and traditional role as a food producer has enabled us to develop a globally significant agricultural sector, including being the largest beef exporter in Europe. With the EU’s milk quota regime ending at the end of March 2015, this will present the dairy sector with a unique opportunity to boost production capacity and increase exports," Mr Duffy added.
