Mayo exporters show strong confidence despite trade challenges

Irish exporting companies are displaying remarkable resilience and ambition, with 97% planning to expand into new international markets over the next year, according to a new survey released at Enterprise Ireland's International Markets Week.

The findings, revealed as Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and the Circular Economy Alan Dillon TD met with Mayo-based exporters at the RDS Dublin, suggest Irish businesses remain bullish despite ongoing global trade uncertainties and potential US tariff impacts.

The survey of participating companies shows two-thirds expect export sales to increase in 2025, with 93% anticipating growth in 2026. The Eurozone remains the top target region for Irish exporters, followed by the UK and the USA.
Technology and services companies appear particularly optimistic, with 70% expecting export increases in 2025, compared to 60% of industrial and lifesciences firms.

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AI Integration Taking Centre Stage
Nearly nine in ten companies (87%) are already integrating or planning to integrate artificial intelligence into their business operations. Two-thirds believe AI and digitalisation will be critical in winning future international business, with 98% of surveyed companies taking steps to improve overall competitiveness.

Irish exporters identified three key challenges for the coming year: global uncertainty including regulation and tariffs, the cost of doing business, and staffing and retention issues.

On the question of US tariffs, companies are evenly split – 49% expect a negative impact while 51% do not. Common strategies being adopted include diversification into new markets, securing new customers, and reviewing supply chains.

Government Support

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD welcomed the survey results, noting that Irish businesses are responding to geopolitical volatility by accelerating digital strategies and expanding into new markets.
"International trade is vital to Ireland's economic success, and the Government's Action Plan on Market Diversification sets out clear steps to support our exporters," Minister Burke said.

Enterprise Ireland has introduced new supports including a Market Research Grant of up to €35,000 for tariff impact assessments and a New Markets Validation Grant of up to €150,000 to develop entry strategies.

Record Export Performance

The optimism comes as Enterprise Ireland client companies achieved exports of €6.66 billion to the US in 2024, up 8% year-on-year. In a significant milestone, exports to the European Single Market grew by 8% to €10.63 billion, surpassing UK exports for the first time and making the European Single Market the largest export region for Irish companies.

International Markets Week is connecting over 700 Irish companies with 140 market advisors from 42 overseas offices in more than 2,000 one-to-one meetings designed to accelerate internationalisation strategies.

Enterprise Ireland CEO Jenny Melia described the survey results as "hugely encouraging," adding that the agency stands ready to support clients in seizing global opportunities through tailored supports and investment.

Pictured above at Enterprise Ireland's International Markets Week, from left: Kevin Sherry, Executive Director at Enterprise Ireland; Sorcha O'Grady, Co-founder and Chief Sales Officer at TruckScience; Minister of State for Small Business, Retail and the Circular Economy Alan Dillon, TD, and John Dempsey, owner of Ultrapure Laboratories.