Irish exports to Israel worth over €0.5bn

• Published date: 15 April 2024
• Author: MARIE O’HALLORAN
• Publication title: Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland)

The largest valued group of goods was “chemicals and related products” which accounted for €264.6 million last year and €31.24 million in January this year

This was followed by machinery and transport equipment worth almost €185 million last year to Irish businesses and €24.2 million in January. Food and live animal exports were the third most valuable category, worth €31.93 million in 2023 and just over €5 million in January.

Exports under a total of nine different categories also included “miscellaneous manufactured articles” (€25.55 million in 2023 and €1.94 million in January), “manufactured goods classified chiefly by material” (€6.25 million and €496,000 respectively), beverages and tobacco (€3.1 million and €350,000), mineral fuels and lubricants (€3.058 million and €222,000).

In total Irish businesses sold €520.401 million in goods and products to Israel last year and €63.75 million in January 2024.

There could be major implications for Irish businesses in the wake of the request for a review by the European Union of the trade association agreement between the EU and Israel and public demands for sanctions and that Ireland cut business ties with Israel, because of the war in Gaza.

Minister for Finance Michael McGrath said: “When it comes to international trade I think it’s important that Ireland acts in concert with other countries.”

On concern at the impact on Irish businesses should trade sanctions be imposed on Israel, Mr McGrath said: “There is always a potential clash between the importance of trade...