Canada-Ireland Economic Report Launch

Ireland and Canada share deep cultural, historic and diplomatic ties which has bolstered the strong economic connection between the two countries.

In September 2025, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. launched a comprehensive Ireland-Canada Economic Report: ‘Beyond Barriers – Deepening Canada-Ireland Trade and Investment’.

Strong foundations for a deeper relationship

Welcoming the report, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. said: "Today, we are reaffirming the deep economic and human connections between Ireland and Canada, and setting out how we can strengthen them even further. Ireland and Canada are natural partners: outward-looking, innovative, and ambitious."

"Together we can lead in areas like clean technology, medical devices, financial services, agriculture and agri-tech, digital innovation, and higher education. The opportunities are vast as Ireland is well positioned to be Canada’s gateway to the European Union."

The report, researched by the Conference Board of Canada, shows that Ireland is the 10th biggest investor in Canada and trade between Canada and Ireland has increased substantially since the introduction of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2017, nearly doubling from CAD$6.5 billion (€4 billion) in 2016 to CAD$13 billion (€8 billion) in 2023.

Ireland’s goods exports have expanded dramatically, while Canada’s service exports to Ireland have risen rapidly under CETA.

The research identifies considerable opportunities for growth. Annual trade in goods alone could increase by a further 37 per cent, adding approximately CAD$2 billion (€1.2 billion) to annual bilateral trade.

Read the full report:

Background

The report highlights that additional gains are also possible in services and direct foreign investment. Ireland has been particularly successful at attracting Canadian investment through its competitive costs, efficient administrative processes, and responsive government support from various agencies, including IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia, Tourism Ireland, Culture Ireland and Screen Ireland.

The research conducted by the Conference Board of Canada used qualitative and quantitative methodology, including feedback from senior business leaders with a deep understanding of Canada-Irish trade and investment,

This has been a Team Ireland partnership between Embassy of Ireland, Canada, Consulate of Ireland, Toronto, Consulate of Ireland, Vancouver, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Bord Bia, Irish Canada Business Association and IBEC.