Economics

Irish ‘phantom exports’ surge to €134 billion

Goods produced outside Ireland made up 38 per cent of Irish exports in 2022, as economist says numbers are ‘unusual to say the least’ considering size of the economy

Goods that are produced and traded in other countries under contract by Irish-registered firms, but recorded as exports here, accounted for 38 per cent of all Irish exports last year

The amount of Irish goods exports that are not actually produced or physically traded from here has risen 20-fold over the last decade, and now accounts for more than a third of all Irish goods traded abroad, a Business Post analysis has shown.

These ‘phantom exports’ – goods which are produced and traded in other countries under contract by Irish-registered firms, but recorded as exports here – accounted for 38 per cent, or €134 billion, ...