Dublin Belfast Economic Corridor (DBEC)

Cross-border trade hit a record £14.6 billion (€17.25 billion) in 2024, according to the latest figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA), which include both goods and services. The data shows that cross-border trade increased by £2.2 billion (17.7%) compared with 2023, highlighting the continued importance of the all-island market for businesses. Colin McCabrey, Director of Trade at InterTradeIreland, says: “These figures clearly reflect what we see in practice every day. The cross-border market continues to grow and is an increasingly important driver of business growth across the island. Small and medium-sized enterprises are central to that activity. SMEs account for 99% of businesses on the island and generate the vast majority of total cross-border trade. At InterTradeIreland, we focus on opening doors to new trading opportunities on the island, and trading across the border is a natural first step. It allows businesses to access a new customer base while remaining close to home, helping them build experience and confidence. Our research consistently shows that SMEs engaged in cross-border trade tend to outperform their peers, with over 7 in 10 recommending cross-border trade as a stepping stone to wider markets."