Les exportations irlandaises vers les États-Unis continuent de chuter tandis que le commerce britannique "reste une réussite post-Brexit"

Ireland's exports to the United States fell sharply in May, marking another month of declining trade with its traditional major market, according to data published by the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The drop came amid ongoing challenges posed by U.S. trade policies, including tariffs introduced by former President Donald Trump in early 2025. Over the past 12 months, exports to the U.S. declined by 55.9 percent, amounting to €4.7 billion in May 2026—down from €10.7 billion in May 2025. This represents just 28 percent of total Irish exports during the same period. The decline in U.S. trade has been compounded by a broader trend of reduced overall exports. Total Irish goods exports stood at €16.5 billion in May 2026, down €6.8 billion from the previous year. However, the monthly comparison showed a smaller drop of €400 million compared to May 2024, suggesting that the effects of Trump’s trade policies have begun to take hold more fully in recent months. Industry experts noted that many Irish firms had previously accelerated their shipments to the U.S. before these restrictions took effect, leading to a delayed but pronounced downturn. Robert Purdue, head of client portfolio management at Ebury, highlighted the ongoing pressures facing Irish exporters. “Today’s trade figures point to continued pressure on Ireland’s export sector, with goods exports falling by almost a third compared with May last year,” he said. He emphasized that the sharp decline in U.S. trade continues to affect businesses reliant on transatlantic markets, as they grapple with a more complex and unpredictable global trade landscape. Despite the struggles with U.S. trade, exports to the United Kingdom showed resilience. In May, exports to the UK increased by €336.4 million compared to the same month in 2025. The UK remains Ireland’s third-largest export partner, with exports totaling nearly €1.6 billion in May 2026. According to Jane Burmanje, a statistician at the CSO, this reflects the UK’s continued importance as a key trading partner following Brexit. Imports into Ireland also rose slightly, with goods from the UK increasing by 2.7 percent. Lorna Kelly, director in customs and international trade services at BDO Ireland, described the UK as a “post-Brex success story” for Irish businesses. She pointed to the positive trade balance, especially in sectors such as machinery and transport, along with food and livestock exports. These industries have benefited from stronger demand and improved access to British markets after the transition from EU rules. Meanwhile, other export destinations saw mixed results. The Netherlands remained Ireland’s second-largest export partner, contributing over €1.8 billion in goods in May. Chemicals and related products continued to dominate Irish exports, making up just under half of the total value, with sales reaching €8.1 billion. Notably, exports of office machines and data processing equipment surged by 177 percent, reaching €1.8 billion in May 2026, reflecting growing demand in technology-driven markets. As the trade landscape continues to evolve, Irish businesses face both challenges and opportunities. While the U.S. trade relationship remains strained, the UK and other European partners appear to offer more stable prospects. With shifting global dynamics and evolving trade policies, the coming months will likely see further adjustments in how Irish firms approach international markets.