Record-breaking exports from Ireland and Italy in 2025 despite US tariff policy

Statistical data for 2025 indicates the remarkable resilience of European economies to global trade turbulence. Exports from Ireland to the United States increased last year by 52%, translating to an amount of nearly 112 billion euros. The CSO agency notes that such a dynamic jump was primarily caused by the phenomenon of "front-loading," meaning the acceleration of deliveries by US companies fearing the implementation of tariffs announced by Donald Trump. Medical and pharmaceutical products played a dominant role, with their sales increasing by 39%, including innovative ingredients for obesity and diabetes drugs. Contemporary US trade policy, initiated during Donald Trump's first term (2017–2021), is based on tariffs as a tool to protect domestic industry and reduce the trade deficit.Equally optimistic signals come from Rome, where the Italian statistical office Istat confirmed record export revenues at a level of 643 billion euros. Despite a difficult geopolitical environment, Italy achieved the best growth dynamics among the G7 countries. The Italian success was based not only on pharmaceuticals but also on metallurgy (growth of 27.8%) and the transport sector. Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized that the Made in Italy brand defended its position in the US market, showing sales growth despite the presence of tariff barriers. 643 mld € — was the record Italian export in 2025Growth in export value of selected industries in Italy: Pharmaceuticals: 28.5, Basic metals: 27.8, Transport equipment: 25.2, Refined products: -31.0However, it should be noted that data for December 2025 alone suggests a certain cooling of sentiment. Ireland recorded a sharp drop in sales to the USA of 41% in the last month of the year compared to the previous year, which may indicate market saturation after a period of intense stockpiling. Italy, on the other hand, maintained a slight upward trend in December at 0.3% on a monthly basis. Experts forecast that 2026 will be a real test for European exporters when the full effects of the tariffs hit supply chains. Supply of goods from Ireland to the USA (2025-2026): 2025-11: 9.3, 2025-12: 3.3„Export results to the USA are excellent, proving that the quality of our products overcomes any trade barriers.” — Antonio TajaniThe role of international cooperation and the necessity of negotiations with the USA to avoid a trade war impacting consumers is emphasized. | The strength of national brands and the resilience of domestic production to external economic pressures, as well as the benefits of being a growth leader, are accentuated.