Irish Exporters Association Marks 75 Years Supporting Ireland’s Global Trade at Milestone Anniversary Luncheon

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) marked its 75th anniversary with a landmark luncheon in Dublin, bringing together senior leaders from across industry, government, and the wider business community to reflect on the evolution of Irish exporting and the opportunities shaping its future.

Founded in 1951, the IEA was established at a time when Ireland’s economy was largely inward-looking, with a small group of exporters coming together to promote international trade and protect the interests of Irish businesses. Over the past 75 years, the organisation has played a central role in supporting Ireland’s transformation into one of the most open and export driven economies in the world.

Irish merchandise exports have grown from approximately €76 million in 1951 to €260 billion in 2025, with the sector now spanning advanced industries including pharmaceuticals, food and drink, advanced manufacturing and technology. Throughout this period, the IEA has remained at the forefront of the sector advocating, training, and providing practical supports to exporters navigating an increasingly complex global environment.

The event featured a keynote address by An Tánaiste Simon Harris, and a panel discussion with leading industry figures Martin McVicar, CEO of Combilift; Marie Armstrong, Tax Partner in KPMG, Noel Keeley, CEO of Musgrave Group; and Declan Sinnott, Managing Director of Rhenus Logistics Ireland. The panel discussed bridging Ireland’s protectionist past with an AI-driven future, focusing on the need for constant evolution and radical innovation to maintain and grow a premium global brand and ever disruptive global trade landscape.

The event also marked the launch of the IEA’s 75th Anniversary Coffee Table Book, celebrating the organisation’s legacy. It highlights key milestones and stories from across Ireland’s exporting journey.

A key highlight of the luncheon was a forward-looking and motivational address delivered by Dr. Norah Patten, who encouraged attendees to think ambitiously about Ireland’s future in a rapidly evolving global economy, emphasising the role of innovation, exploration, and long-term thinking in shaping the next chapter of Irish exporting.

Speaking at the event, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris T.D., said: “Today, Ireland is one of the world’s most successful exporters. In many ways, the journey of the IEA from inception to today, tracks the development of the Irish economy over the last 75 years. Our export sector is a cornerstone of our economic success, supporting jobs, driving innovation, and connecting our island to global markets in a way that few countries of our size have achieved. In an increasingly complex global environment – marked by geopolitical uncertainty, shifting supply chains, and technological disruption – Ireland’s exporters continue to demonstrate resilience, agility, and ambition.

The Irish Government remains firmly committed to free and open trade which has improved the lives of so many not only in Ireland but around the world, and we will do all we can to support the continued success of Irish exporters in the years ahead”.

Speaking at the event, Simon McKeever, Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association, said: “Over the past 75 years, Ireland’s export story has been one of, global ambition and transformation. From a small, domestically focused economy in the 1950s, Ireland’s international trading economy now stands at €1.25 trillion with exports at the heart of our economic success.

What has remained constant throughout that journey is the ability of Irish exporters to constantly innovate, pushing the boundaries of our global reach ever further whilst remaining resilient and finding opportunities in an ever-chaotic world. The Irish Exporters Association has been proud to support that journey at every stage for the last 75 years.

As we look to the future, the challenges are clear geopolitical uncertainty, changing trade dynamics, sustainability requirements, and above all the rapid pace of technological disruption. But so too are the opportunities – from chaos comes opportunity. The next chapter of Irish exporting will be defined by digital adaptation, innovation, diversification, and the ability to respond faster than the pace of change.”

Liam Hyland, President of the IEA and Director of Export & International Trade, FoodEx Ireland, part of the Musgrave Group commented: “Ireland and the nature and composition of our Export basket has come a long way since 1951. Global trade today is shaped less by stability and more by constant adjustment; shifting alliances, regulatory divergence and rapid technological acceleration. For Irish exporters, success increasingly depends on the ability to operate confidently in that uncertainty, not just react to it.

That is where the IEA’s role is critical. It is about ensuring Irish exporters have the tools, the influence and the connectivity to compete on equal terms internationally, while also making sure their experience on the ground actively informs how Ireland positions itself in global trade.

Over the past eight decades, Irish exporters have successfully navigated major economic and political shifts from trade isolation, then EU admission and globalisation to financial crises, Brexit, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The muscle memory developed from succeeding despite these challenges has become a competitive advantage and made Irish exporters more ambitious, becoming relentless in their quest to innovate adapt and diversify, and to seek opportunities far and wide. I am confident that this innate nimbleness will stand to them and the country as a direct result and keep us in good stead as we face into increasingly uncertain times.

Since 1951, the IEA been an integral part of the Export industry and an important actor in Irish business. Reflecting the changes in the Irish export economy and in society. It too has evolved over the years. But one thing remains constant, it continues to offer unwavering support to its members through advocacy, training, and international engagement, helping them remain competitive and resilient in an increasingly dynamic and uncertain global marketplace.”

The event featured was sponsored by FoodEx, Part of the Musgrave Group, Combilift, Rhenus Logistics and CLDN.