Actualités
French and Irish businesses see growth potential in trading relationship
Nearly three-quarters of businesses trading between Ireland and France are optimistic about the scope for growth in trade and investment between the two countries over the next 12 months.
A survey conducted by the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce (FICC) to mark Bastille Day shows 73 per cent of respondents see a clear opportunity in Franco-Irish trade and investment over the next year.
Widespread optimism comes despite the uncertain global economic outlook, with US President Donald Trump having announced plans for a 30 per cent tariff on EU goods since the survey was conducted.
The survey of FICC's 170-strong membership, including patrons, multinationals, SMEs and start-ups operating in both Ireland and France, shows 74 per cent of participants expressed confidence in the business environment for the year ahead.
In addition, 43 per cent expect their own business performance to improve in the second half of the year.
Nearly three-quarters of businesses trading between Ireland and France are optimistic about the scope for growth in trade and investment between the two countries over the next 12 months.
A survey conducted by the France Ireland Chamber of Commerce (FICC) to mark Bastille Day shows 73 per cent of respondents see a clear opportunity in Franco-Irish trade and investment over the next year.
Widespread optimism comes despite the uncertain global economic outlook, with US President Donald Trump having announced plans for a 30 per cent tariff on EU goods since the survey was conducted.
The survey of FICC's 170-strong membership, including patrons, multinationals, SMEs and start-ups operating in both Ireland and France, shows 74 per cent of participants expressed confidence in the business environment for the year ahead.
In addition, 43 per cent expect their own business performance to improve in the second half of the year.
Business Bulletin
Key sectors, including infrastructure, green energy, digital, technology, and transport, were particularly confident of growth.
However, while optimism remains strong, members also expressed growing frustration with Ireland’s broader operating environment, particularly around delayed infrastructure delivery, housing shortages, and regulatory complexity.
At the company level, the survey identified three leading business challenges: ongoing talent and skills shortages, rising cost pressures and inflation, and persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.
In a separate question focused specifically on the impact of geopolitical or regulatory developments on businesses, more than half (56 per cent) of respondents said recent geopolitical or regulatory changes have had a “somewhat negative” impact on their operations, with a further five per cent describing the impact as “very negative.”
Rather than crisis-level disruption, respondents point to delays, friction, and increased complexity, especially in cross-border trade, talent mobility, and strategic decision-making.
Chris Smyth, president of FICC and group chief executive of Perennial Freight, said that France and Ireland are increasingly viewed as stable, aligned, and mutually beneficial partners, with EU regulatory alignment and shared innovation priorities creating fertile ground for deeper collaboration.
"While global instability from US policy shifts to Middle East tensions remains a concern, our members continue to see strong demand, investment momentum and long-term fundamentals holding steady.
"We can see from the survey that respondents are not panicked, but they are burdened. The tone is one of quiet constraint, firms are adapting, but added cost, complexity, and uncertainty are causing real operational drag," he continued.
"Our members are also calling for action on long-standing domestic barriers that risk stalling momentum. They need the country to match their ambition.
"They want more homes, rail lines, and policy certainty to help businesses and employees thrive.”
Manon Monot, country chief financial officer for Schneider Electric in Ireland, and member of the FICC, commented: “While global market conditions remain unpredictable, Ireland continues to offer real opportunity.
"Our operations here are locally focused and resilient, and we see strong long-term potential for investment, particularly in the energy sector, where the demand for infrastructure renewal is accelerating.
"At the same time, customers are weighing critical decisions against an uncertain external backdrop, especially in markets like the Americas.”
More than 300 French companies currently operate subsidiaries across the country, collectively supporting over 30,000 direct jobs, according to the French Embassy in Ireland.
Trade between the two countries remains strong, with over €5.4bn in goods exchanged in the first four months of 2025.
France is Ireland's largest supplier or goods in the EU, as well as the first EU investor in Ireland.
