The data in this section of the publication analyses goods exports and imports data from the point of view of the activity and the size of the enterprises engaged in trade in goods. This differs from the traditional focus of trade statistics, which is on the products being traded. In other words, this section deals with who is trading rather than what is being traded.
The trade recorded here is on a ‘special trade’ basis, while the monthly trade statistical release is calculated on a ‘general trade’ basis. Under the ‘general trade’ system exports and imports are recorded at the time the goods are moved across the boundary of the State. In particular this means that goods imported into a custom bonded warehouse are recorded at the time of entry into the country. On a ‘special trade’ basis, goods are recorded as imported at the time of their release from the warehouse. Therefore, total exports and imports recorded in this section of the publication are different to those in the earlier chapters.
For more information, please see the background notes.
| X-axis label | Exports | Imports |
|---|---|---|
| Top 5 | 43.376957304471 | 23.8195844473594 |
| Top 10 | 55.9293452823347 | 30.7941644949259 |
| Top 50 | 76.0638258488073 | 49.7068670580609 |
| Top 100 | 82.8415632925297 | 58.4023298597707 |
| Top 500 | 93.2835415044805 | 75.5199533454625 |
The five highest value exporters accounted for over €88 billion or 43% of all exports in 2022. The top 50 enterprises exported three quarters of total goods, equal to €155 billion.
There is less of a concentration of large traders on the import side than on the export side. The top five importers accounted for €33.4 billion or 24% of total imports in 2022.
The top 50 importing enterprises had imports of almost €70 billion, which equals half of the total.
Learn about our data and confidentiality safeguards, and the steps we take to produce statistics that can be trusted by all.