A two-way street: The Irish-US Economic Relationship

The economic relationship between Ireland and the United States is one of the world’s most balanced, mutually advantageous, and enduring bilateral partnerships. It is a genuinely two‑way street that strengthens our economies, supports employment across both countries, fuels innovation, anchors supply chains, and deepens cultural and commercial ties.

This partnership is built on open markets, and a commitment to entrepreneurship and as a testament to the strength of this relationship, Ireland Day takes place on March 16 at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

The event has become an important annual moment of recognition, celebrating Ireland’s global contribution and bringing together leaders across business, investment, and public policy.

KPMG in Ireland is proud to be a supporter of Ireland Day, reinforcing our commitment to helping deepen transatlantic ties.

The Ireland – US economic relationship is an enduring and mutually beneficial two‑way street. It supports tens of thousands of jobs in both our countries, it strengthens our economies and is underpinned by a shared and lasting commitment to trade, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Ryan McCarthy

Managing Partner

KPMG in Ireland

A two‑way economic relationship supporting jobs and growth

In 2024, the US–Ireland commercial relationship surpassed $1 trillion, underscoring the extraordinary depth of the partnership. Ireland’s position as a gateway to the European Union, providing seamless access to a market of more than 450 million consumers, has made it an attractive base for US companies seeking an EU anchor.

More than 900 US firms now operate in Ireland, employing over 210,000 people, a testament to the country’s highly skilled workforce, business‑friendly regulatory environment, and stable investment climate.

This performance is supported by IDA Ireland, which champions Ireland’s strengths in talent, innovation, regulation, and market access, consistently attracting high‑value US investment and reinforcing Ireland’s role as a strategic European hub.

At the same time, Irish investment into the United States has grown dramatically. Over 700 Irish‑owned companies now operate across all 50 US states, directly employing more than 110,000 Americans, and broader analysis suggests that the total employment impact exceeds 200,000 jobs nationwide.

Ireland is now the 9th‑largest source of foreign direct investment into the US, reflecting the deep reciprocity of the relationship.

Meanwhile, Ireland Day at the NYSE is complimented by The Ireland INC Index 250 which provides a comprehensive, real-time listing of 250 Irish companies established and operating across the United States.

The Index serves as a reference point for Irish corporations from across the island of Ireland that are investing in, or expanding within, the US market.

View the Ireland Inc 250 Index 2025

The importance of US services to Ireland

Services form a major component of the bilateral economic relationship, complementing the well‑recognised strength of goods trade.

The United States is the world’s leading exporter of high‑value services, exporting $993.8 billion globally in 2023 across professional, financial, digital, and travel sectors. Ireland, as one of the world’s most open, services‑intensive economies, imports significant volumes of US services to support its advanced industries.

The Irish economy relies heavily on sophisticated US professional and technical services, all crucial inputs for the multinational operations based in Ireland’s life sciences, technology, and financial services sectors.

The United States is also a major provider of digital services such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software licensing, reflecting a deep technological interdependence.

This service flow is not one‑sided: Ireland is itself a major exporter of digital and technology services to the US, highlighting the complexity and mutual benefit of the wider transatlantic services ecosystem.

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Ireland, as one of the world’s most open, services‑intensive economies, imports significant volumes of US services to support its advanced industries.

Ireland’s gateway advantage for US business

Ireland offers a uniquely compelling proposition for US companies seeking a long‑term European base. Beyond its English‑speaking, Eurozone status and highly skilled talent pool, Ireland benefits from strong transatlantic air connectivity, with Dublin Airport ranking as the fifth‑largest hub for transatlantic travel in Europe.

Ireland is also home to the only US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facilities in Europe, located in Dublin and Shannon airports and supporting smoother business travel and further reinforces Ireland’s role as the most efficient transatlantic gateway in the EU.

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A shared future of growth and opportunity

The US–Ireland relationship stands out internationally for its balance, resilience, and shared prosperity.

US companies generate high‑quality employment and innovation in Ireland, while Irish companies make a significant and growing contribution to the US economy. Both goods and services flow strongly in both directions, underpinned by long‑term investment and shared strategic interest.

Ireland Day at the NYSE celebrates this exceptional partnership, and KPMG in Ireland is honoured to support it, recognising the ongoing potential for growth, innovation, and opportunity on both sides of the Atlantic.

Get in touch

We know that your business is unique and that you’ll have questions about how the Ireland-US connection can work for you. We’d like to tell you more about how our KPMG teams can help your business succeed here in Ireland – and across the US.

We look forward to hearing from you.