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Record year for exports by Enterprise Ireland supported companies

Exports by Enterprise Ireland client companies reached an all-time high of €20.6 billion in 2015. That's a 10% increase on 2014, and almost double what it was ten years ago. 

Significant growth was recorded in exports across all sectors and in the majority of export territories, according to the official figures published by Enterprise Ireland.

We've the highlights...

EI exports 2015_infographic

Export growth across all sectors

Exports increased in all sectors in 2015, with the greatest increases in the software, construction and manufacturing sectors.

  • 32% in exports for internationally traded software companies to €1.8 billion
  • 21% in exports for construction and consumer companies to €2.8 billion
  • 11% in exports by manufacturing companies to €3.4 billion
  • 3% in exports by food companies to €10.6 billion

 Exports to USA & Canada up 27%

The results also show that exports have increased across most territories with exports to:

  • USA and Canada increasing by 27% to almost €3 billion
  • UK increasing by 12% to €7.5bn, and exports to Northern Europe increasing by 8% to €4.2 billion
  • Over the period 2005 to 2015, exports to Eurozone countries have increased by €1.92 billion from €2.21 billion to €4.13 billion

Spending in the domestic market up €3.4bn since 2013

Enterprise Ireland clients also recorded a spend of €23.7 billion in the domestic market, representing an increase of €3.4 billion since 2013. The contribution of Enterprise Ireland client companies to the domestic economy is very important, particularly from a regional perspective, as it sustains and creates jobs both directly and indirectly.

Looking ahead, Enterprise Ireland said that it has ambitious targets to achieve €22 billion in exports in 2016, but that risks remained on the horizon due to wider economic factors.

121 international trade missions and knowledge events in 2015

A key aspect of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy is the coordination of trade missions to high growth economies including China, Africa and the Middle East. In 2015, 1,239 new and significant contracts were secured overseas with assistance from Enterprise Ireland, including €50 million in contracts secured on a trade mission to West Africa.

This was complemented by a wide range of inward buyer visits, market study visits, international trade fairs, Embassy events and knowledge seminars, all aimed at linking Irish companies with international buyers, leading to increased exports and jobs for Ireland.

Interested in finding out what it's like for an Irish business on a trade mission? #allaboutjobs spoke to Garvan Quish of DeviceSmart, and Donald Fitzmaurice of Brandtone about their experiences working with Enterprise Ireland to break into international markets.

About Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland is responsible for the development and growth of Irish businesses and start-up internationally. The team in Enterprise Ireland, led by Julie Sinnamon, work in partnership with Irish businesses to help them start, grow, innovate and win export sales in global markets. Enterprise Ireland offer funding supports, and provide supports to develop competitiveness in international markets. They also provide assistance in exporting assistance, and access to a global network of contacts.

For more information

Read the full Export Performance by Enterprise Ireland Client Companies 2015 Report.

Check out 2015 results for Enterprise Ireland supported companies.