The Northern Ireland economy expanded by 1.6% over 2025, according to the Northern Ireland Composite Economic Index. Growth weakened from the second quarter, dropping to 0.2% between the third and fourth quarters.

Services sector output declined in the fourth quarter. Private sector output contracted by 0.7% in the third quarter, following earlier estimates of 1.2% expansion. Private sector services output fell in the final two quarters of the year.

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald stated the figures show resilience among local businesses and workers in an uncertain economic situation linked to Middle East fighting.

Richard Ramsey, economist at Queen's University business school, noted revisions to prior data reduced the perceived strength of 2025 growth.

HMRC data recorded 821,000 people on company payrolls in February, an increase of 4,000 from December.