By Business & Finance 
The US-Ireland business relationship remains a cornerstone of transatlantic commerce, driving investment, innovation, and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic. From decades of US investment in Ireland to a growing presence of Irish firms in America, this enduring partnership continues to deliver shared prosperity and opportunities for the future.
By Danny McCoy, CEO of Ibec
The enduring business relationship between the United States and Ireland remains one of the most dynamic and mutually beneficial in the global economy. Through Ibec’s work, we regularly have the opportunity to engage with many of our key US stakeholders, reaffirming the importance of transatlantic collaboration and the vast opportunities that continue to emerge between Ireland and the US business community. For decades, there has been a long-standing tradition of US governors and legislators making the journey across the Atlantic to strengthen economic ties and explore new avenues for partnership- something that continues today.
Despite global uncertainties and shifting economic landscapes, one fact remains constant: the US–Ireland relationship continues to deliver substantial value for both nations. From US multinationals thriving in Ireland to Irish companies expanding their reach across American markets, this partnership is built on shared values, innovation, and a deep commitment to mutual prosperity.
Ireland’s strategic position has made it a preferred location for US investment for decades. What began over a century ago with Henry Ford’s operations in Cork has evolved into a modern ecosystem of global commerce.
Today, Ireland is home to the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) headquarters of many of the world’s leading technology, biopharma, and medtech companies. Its stable business environment, skilled workforce, and EU membership continue to make it an attractive hub for US firms seeking a reliable gateway to the European Single Market of more than 500 million consumers. Yet the benefits of this relationship are far from one-sided. Irish businesses are increasingly making their mark in the US. Ireland is now the sixth-largest source of foreign direct investment into the United States, with Irish investment exceeding $240 billion. Over 600 Irish firms operate across a range of sectors – from agri-food and construction to technology and financial services – creating thousands of high-quality jobs and contributing significantly to local economies. A new generation of Irish entrepreneurs is also emerging, founding innovative companies across America and highlighting the shared entrepreneurial spirit and cultural alignment between the two nations.
Ireland’s open, globally connected economy continues to thrive on diversity and innovation. Roughly one in five workers in Ireland are non-Irish citizens, reflecting a dynamic and inclusive workforce that draws talent from across the EU and beyond. This rich mix of expertise fuels Ireland’s competitiveness in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. Indeed, Ireland’s export-driven economy is among the most globally integrated in the world, with 60% of final exports forming part of international supply chains.
Both countries have prospered through trade, openness, and innovation. As global challenges test the principles of international cooperation, the US-Ireland business relationship stands as a model of resilience and shared success. While Ireland has long served as a transatlantic economic bridge for the EU, we must continue to use our voice with our European partners to champion the shared values that unite us across the Atlantic at this time of great challenge.
Organisations like Ibec will continue to help this partnership evolve – driving investment, creating jobs, and fostering the transatlantic collaboration that will define the next chapter of global growth.
