Ireland's exports increased by almost 28% or €6.2 billion in September to €28.5 billion when compared to the same month last year.
The latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that medical and pharmaceutical products accounted for over 65% of total exports in the month.
€18.7 billion of these products were exported in September, up €7.9 billion or 73.6% on the same time last year.
Exports of goods to the United States more than doubled to €16.3 billion, up 126% or €7.2 billion.
Chemical and related products, which include medical and pharmaceutical products, made up more than 90% of these exports.
Imports also increased in September, with €11.1 billion of goods brought into the country, up almost 4% or €399.2 million on the same month last year.
In the first nine months of the year, both exports and imports increased compared to the same period in 2024, with exports up almost 28% to €212.2 billion and imports up 5.5% to €104.8 billion.
Robert Purdue, Senior Portfolio Manager at global financial services firm Ebury (Ireland), said it's encouraging to see Ireland’s exporters performing strongly - despite the drag from US tariffs.
However, with pharmaceuticals continuing to make up the bulk of Ireland’s exports, Mr Purdue said the sustainability of this growth could be hampered if the US introduces further punitive measures on the sector.
"With Simon Harris now heading the finance ministry, the pressure will be on to protect the pharmaceutical sector - a key pillar of Ireland’s economy and one of the Department of Finance’s most important revenue drivers - while also supporting smaller exporters that are being squeezed by this more restrictive trading environment," he said.
"In this environment, businesses must remain vigilant.
"Reviewing FX hedges, ensuring access to flexible finance, and maximising operational efficiency can all help to build resilience against potential headwinds," he added.
