New figures published today (Thursday, May 15) by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) show that Ireland exported food and live animals valued at €379.24 million to Great Britain (GB) in March.

Overall the total value of food and live animals exported from Ireland grew year-on-year to March 2025 to €1.370 billion, the latest figures highlight.

The CSO also outlined in its latest report that exports of goods from Ireland hit a record level of €37.3 billion in March 2025 - with medical and pharmaceutical products a key driver.

Jane Burmanje, statistician in the CSO international trade in goods division said: “In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, the value of goods exported increased by €34.3 billion (+63.6%) to €88.4 billion, when compared with Q1 2024 (€54 billion).

"Exports of medical and pharmaceutical products more than tripled to €23.6 billion (+243%) in March 2025 compared with March 2024 (€6.9 billion) and represented almost two thirds (63.3%) of total export goods for the month".

According to the CSO, more than two thirds (68.2 %) of export goods went to the US (€25.4 billion), which means that for every €1 worth of goods Ireland exported in March 2025, almost 70c went to the US. 

But exports to GB - a key market for the food and drink sector - fell by €564.9 million (-31.1%) to €1.3 billion in March 2025 compared with March 2024 (€1.8 billion).

The latest CSO 'Goods Exports and Imports March 2025' report underlines the continuing uncertainty that Irish exporters are up against in relation to the US tariffs position.

President Trump introduced a 10% baseline tariff in April and in response the European Commission earlier this month published a list of current US imports, worth in the region of €95 billion, which could be subject to new “EU countermeasures” if current negotiations with the US do not result in the “removal of US tariffs”.

The list, which covers 217 pages, is wide-ranging and includes a “broad range of industrial and agricultural products” originating in or from the US.

However MEP Nina Carberry today called on the European Commission to clarify its decision to include bourbon whiskey and thoroughbred horses in the EU’s proposed counter-tariff list.

Speaking at a hearing on the state of play of EU-US trading relations in the European Parliament, Carberry said that both sectors had long benefited from open, rules-based trade with the US and warned against their use as leverage in broader transatlantic tensions.

“However, I am concerned that if the 90-day grace period lapses and these countermeasures are triggered, Ireland could be uniquely exposed, especially in the event of further tit-for-tat escalation.

"The inclusion of sectors, which are vital to Ireland’s rural economy and global reputation, is particularly worrying," she added.