Cross-border services trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland has grown significantly over the past decade, reaching an estimated €6.25 billion in 2024 after adjustments for incomplete data. The figures, compiled by Oxford Economics for InterTrade Ireland, show that Northern Ireland runs a services trade surplus of approximately £2 billion per year with the Republic.

Construction dominates Northern Ireland's services exports to the Republic, accounting for 55 per cent and growing at 21 per cent annually since 2011. Financial and insurance services are the second-largest category at roughly €750 million, driven in part by Northern Ireland's cybersecurity sector. From the Republic's side, services exports to Northern Ireland increased 88 per cent in 2024, led by manufacturing-linked services, construction, and professional services.

Despite the growth, businesses operating across the border report practical barriers. Una McCabe, training and development manager at Monaghan-based Ohk Energy, described an employee who completed an apprenticeship in Northern Ireland and qualified as a certified certifier in the Republic, but his qualification is not recognised in Northern Ireland, forcing him to repeat the course.

"If the two jurisdictions came together to recognise that a plumber is a plumber, an electrician is an electrician, that all qualifications are recognised, it would open up the island," said Bernie Hoban of Fíbín Films, which co-produced the TV series Crá with BBC Northern Ireland.

InterTrade Ireland chief executive Margaret Hearty said businesses that export across the border are more profitable and resilient, with 75 per cent going on to export off the island. However, she noted research shows the main barriers are practical rather than fundamental. Other issues cited include VAT and payroll complications for remote workers, and difficulty finding public procurement opportunities in the Republic via eTenders.

The report warns that regulatory divergence between the UK and EU could widen over time. It highlights that active divergence has already occurred in financial and digital services, while passive divergence through accumulated rules could create new gaps. Officials from both jurisdictions were briefed on the findings and requested a list of specific problems, indicating interest in addressing them.

InterTrade Ireland noted that Northern Ireland's services exports to the Republic now account for just under a fifth of its total services exports, placing it above most comparable border pairs in Europe. The trend underscores the interdependence of the two economies on the island.