Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 March 2026
220. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline Ireland's trading relationship with Mexico; and the steps that are being taken to improve the relationship.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16505/26]
View answerThe Government’s strategy for relations with Latin America and the Caribbean sets out a goal for Ireland to pursue strong, mutually beneficial economic partnership with the region.
Mexico is the world’s 13th largest economy and a G20 member with a strong manufacturing base. It is Ireland’s largest trade and investment partner in Latin America, accounting for 69% of total merchandise trade with the LAC region in 2024.
Trade with Ireland has seen substantial growth in the last decade. In 2025 goods exports were € 3.616 billion, a 7% increase on 2024, while good imports were €2.298 billion, an increase of 72% on 2024. Trade in services figures for 2024 for Mexico were service exports: €2.916 billion a 47% increase on 2023, with service imports of €804 million, a 34% increase on 2023.
To support further growth a number of initiatives are underway in 2026, among them:
The Minister of State for Employment, Small Businesses and Retail & Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, will visit Mexico in the coming weeks for a St Patrick’s Day programme with a strong emphasis on promoting business and economic links.
The Departments of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Enterprise, Tourism and Employment will host an Ireland Latin America and Caribbean Trade Horizons Conference on 13 May in Dublin. This is a high level event to promote trade and economic growth between Ireland and the region. Strong participation from Mexico will be an integral part of the conference.
Finally, the EU Mexico Modernised Global Agreement is currently under review by EU Member States, updating the longstanding political and trade agreement between Mexico and the EU.
