Minister of State Richmond to launch study on Irish economic links with Germany

Today in Berlin following his attendance at the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025, the Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, will launch a new study, Irish & German Economic Links in Perspective: A Fruitful and Dynamic Bilateral Relationship.

The study shows that, in 2023, Germany was Ireland’s third largest trading partner in terms of exports, behind the United States and the United Kingdom, accounting for €48.831 billion worth of Irish exports of goods and services to Germany.

Growth in Irish exports is mainly driven by sales in pharmaceutical and chemical products, machinery and further manufactured goods, especially in the food and plastic industry. Additionally, since 2017, there has been a rapid increase of Irish companies operating in Germany.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister Richmond said: “Germany is Ireland’s largest trading partner in the European Union and third largest globally. At a time when barriers are being put up to commerce internationally, this report underlines the mutual benefits of trade, the single market, and our shared currency.

“The significant increase in trade between Ireland and Germany, particularly since Brexit, corresponds to a focus by the Irish government on the Irish-German relationship. The government continues to invest significant resources to further deepen these links. Along with the Embassy in Berlin and Consulate General in Frankfurt, we have recently opened a new Consulate General in Munich. This is alongside our state agencies, Bord Bia, Enterprise Ireland, the IDA and Tourism Ireland who are all present in Germany.

“There is a significant Irish diaspora in Germany and I am looking forward to meeting members of this burgeoning community in Berlin.”

Chief Executive Officer of the German-Irish Chamber of Commerce, Stefanie Ziska said: “This study traces the historical roots of our relationship — from the early postwar years when trade volumes were modest, to today, where we see a dense network of trade, investment, and innovation.

“It reflects not only the vibrancy of our bilateral ties, but also the strategic depth and potential we have. The economic relationship between our countries is not just strong — it is thriving.”

Co-author of the Report, Prof. Dr. Erick Behar-Villegas said: “The growing partnership between Ireland and Germany is a compelling example of economic integration and long term cooperation. While the world is in turbulence, seeing how economic ties grow between members of the European Union may be taken as a sign of hope.

“The readers of the study -an example of university-government cooperation- will gain a close look into how the two countries have developed stronger linkages, benefitting their populations thanks to the creation of socioeconomic value.”

The report was carried out by the Berlin International University of Applied Sciences with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The full report is available here: Irish & German Economic Links in Perspective

ENDS

Press Office

14 May 2025