Jenny Melia
CEO, Enterprise Ireland
Ireland Inc: Driving Innovation and Investment in the US Market
Ireland’s agile exporters are continuing to redefine global innovation, and the United States is a critical market for their transformative technologies and investments.
Irish exporters are agile and resilient, and innovation is in their DNA. Our enterprise base is developing solutions for global challenges, and their unique skills and talent has been critical in ensuring the economic partnership between Ireland and the US has evolved into a robust and multifaceted mutually beneficial relationship, marked by significant Irish investment and a growing presence of Irish companies across the US market. This two-way relationship has not only bolstered bilateral trade, but has also contributed to job creation and economic growth within the US.
While recent tariffs changes have undoubtedly had some impact, the US is – and will continue to be – an important primary export market for Irish exporters. Irish companies supported by Enterprise Ireland maintains substantial investments and operations in the US, and will continue to be supported by our teams in Ireland and across our seven US offices to consolidate and grow their businesses there.
Through initiatives like the Enhanced Market Research Grant and Enhanced Market Discovery Fund, we are focused on supporting the Irish and US trading relationship to grow and thrive by helping firms to adapt strategically and maintain competitiveness, by solidifying their US presence, protect jobs, and drive growth, ensuring Irish exporters continue delivering mutual prosperity to Ireland and the US.
Enterprise Ireland-supported firms exported €6.66 billion to the US in 2024, an 8% increase on the year prior, making it Ireland’s third-largest export market after Europe and the UK. The US accounts for 18% of total client exports, with over 950 companies exporting there.
Our indigenous exporting companies have made significant US investments, our top 10 exporters directly employ 116,000 people there and purchase billions in US goods and services. Ireland is the 5th largest source of FDI in the US, with Irish-origin investments valued at $389 billion in 2024.
Enterprise Ireland plays a pivotal role in supporting Irish exporters in the US. Our 7th US office in Atlanta has helped over 80 companies establish US presences in the past 18 months, fostering jobs and partnerships. The US remains a strategic export market for over 950 client companies, with 73% maintaining a full-time presence. Their success stems from innovation and competitiveness.
The dynamic and important relationship between Ireland and the US is a strong, two-way partnership, built on trust, agility, innovation and talent. Enterprise Ireland remains deeply committed to strengthening this mutually beneficial partnership, and to supporting our clients to find new opportunities and build on existing ones in this important primary export market.