Trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland reached a record level in the most recent recorded year, with the value of goods moving in each direction climbing to approximately €5.5 billion.

The figures mark a new high in cross-border commerce. Under the terms of the UK’s departure from the European Union, Northern Ireland remained aligned with EU single market rules for goods, allowing frictionless trade to continue on the island while avoiding a hard border. The wider Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and EU, which eliminated tariffs on goods, provided additional support for commerce.

The retention of the Common Travel Area between Ireland and the United Kingdom, a key objective for Dublin during Brexit negotiations, also preserved the free movement of people across the border.

The latest trade data indicate that economic integration on the island has not only survived the UK’s exit from the bloc but continued to expand.