LONDON

Trade between Great Britain and Ireland plummeted by more than €6 billion ($6.2 billion) in 2024, as Brexit-related barriers continued to disrupt shipments across the Irish Sea.

New data from Ireland’s Central Statistics Office shows that the value of imports and exports between the two nations fell to €32 billion last year, down from €38 billion in 2023.

A sharp decline in chemical exports from Ireland to Britain, amounting to nearly €3 billion, and a €1.6 billion drop in gas and lubricant shipments from Britain to Ireland contributed to the slump.

The chemical sector, a vital industry responsible for producing everything from paint to household cleaners, has been particularly affected by post-Brexit regulatory duplication.

The introduction of dual EU-UK regulations has increased costs and created logistical headaches for exporters on both sides.

Overall, Irish exports to Great Britain fell 10% to just under €16 billion, while imports from Britain to Ireland dropped 21% to €16.6 billion.

With the decline in chemical exports, food and live animals overtook chemicals as Ireland’s top export commodity to Great Britain. Chemical exports fell from almost €7 billion per year to €4 billion.

While trade between Great Britain and Ireland has suffered, trade with Northern Ireland has flourished under its unique post-Brexit arrangement.

Unlike the rest of the UK, Northern Ireland follows EU trade rules, ensuring seamless trade with the Republic of Ireland.

Exports from Northern Ireland to Ireland climbed from €5.2 billion to €5.4 billion, with food and live animals showing the strongest growth. Sheep for slaughter were among the key exports.

Despite Brexit challenges, the UK remains Ireland’s largest trading partner, though it was overtaken by the Netherlands for exports in 2024.