1.4 Goods Imports

1.4 Goods Imports

In 2020, the largest category of goods exports was medical and pharmaceutical products. Exports of these goods accounted for 39% of all exports, or €62 billion. This represents an increase of €12.6 billion (+25 %) on the 2019 value. CSO data released in February 2021 shows that the EU accounted for €63.9 billion (40%) of total goods exports in 2020, an increase of €7.2 billion (+13%) on 2019.

According to February 2021 CSO data, there were €30.3 billion of goods imports from the EU in 2020, representing 36% of total Irish goods imports. This was a decrease of €3 billion (-9 %) on 2019.

Goods exports to non-EU countries in 2020 were valued at €82.5 billion which is an increase of €2.4 billion (+3%) on the 2019 level of exports. The USA was the largest non-EU export destination, accounting for €49.8 billion or 31% of total exports in 2020. Exports to Great Britain in 2020 were €12 billion, which is a decrease of €1.2 billion (-9%) compared with 2019. Exports to Great Britain accounted for 8% of total goods exports in 2020.

Goods imports from non-EU countries totalled €35.5 billion, a decrease of €1.6 billion (-4%) on the 2019 level.

Imports from Great Britain in 2020 were valued at €17.8 billion, a decrease of €861 million (-5%) when compared with 2019, meaning there was a trade deficit of €5.4 billion with Great Britain in 2020.

Figure from page 9

Goods Imports from Great Britain accounted for 21% of total Irish goods imports in 2020.

Goods Imports Categories

Aircraft and Parts

10% 15%

Medical & Pharma

10%

Organic Chemicals

6%

Computers, Computer Parts

5%

Misc Plastics, Stents etc.

4%

39%

Electronic components

4% 3% 3% 3%

Road Vehicles & Parts

Petroleum

Medical Devices

Clothing

All others

Source: CSO 2020