Ireland and China share an overall constructive relationship, marked by significant growth in economic ties and expanding people-to-people contacts over the last decade. Ireland takes a holistic approach to the relationship: trade with China: the economic relationship is not considered separately from our values and other priorities. We are interested in strengthening engagement with China where it is in our interests to do so. In 2023, China was Ireland's sixth-largest export market for goods and fourth-largest source of imports.
The Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to exports and imports. The latest data available shows that Ireland’s goods exports to China in 2024 were valued at €10.068 billion and goods imports at €11.843 billion. Figures for services are not available.
In 2023, Ireland exported goods to China to the value of €9.5 billion and services to the value of €10.8 billion. Ireland also imported goods and services worth €16.3 billion from China in 2023.
In 2022, Ireland exported goods to China to the value of €13.9 billion and services to the value of €10.6 billion. Ireland also imported goods and services worth €21.6 billion from China in 2022.
In 2021, Ireland exported goods to China to the value of €12 billion and services to the value of €10.2 billion. Ireland also imported goods and services worth €14.2 billion from China in 2021.
In 2020, Ireland exported goods to China to the value of €11 billion and services to the value of €8 billion. Ireland also imported goods and services worth €11.8 billion from China in 2020.
Over the last 5 years, employment in Chinese companies in Ireland increased by 115% from 2,350 people in 2020 to 5056 in 2024. There are currently 36 client operations with Chinese origin in IDA Ireland’s client portfolio. There were at least 214 Enterprise Ireland supported companies exporting from Ireland to China in 2023, these companies had exports of over €763 million according to the most recent data from 2023, making China the seventh largest export market for Enterprise Ireland-supported companies.
The Department of Foreign Affairs currently has 21 staff members posted in China. There are 15 posted staff in our Embassy in Beijing, which includes the Department of Justice Visa Office. These comprise 1 staff member at A/Sec grade, 1 staff member at PO grade, 3 staff members at AP grades, 1 staff member at HEO grade, 3 staff members at AO grades, 3 staff members at Executive Officer grade, and 3 staff members at Clerical Officer grade. Staff posted to our Consulate General in Shanghai comprise one staff member at AP grade, one at AO grade, and one at Clerical Officer grade. Staff posted to our Consulate General in Hong Kong comprise one staff member at AP grade, one at AO grade, and one at Clerical Officer grade. The Embassy and Consulates also employ staff locally to support the civil servants assigned there. In January 2025, the Embassy in Beijing employed 30 people on local contracts, the Consulate General in Shanghai employed 6 people on local contracts and the Consulate General in Hong Kong employed 3 people on local contracts.
Information on numbers of staff based in China has been sought from the relevant Government Departments in respect of the IDA, Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and Tourism Ireland, and will be provided once received.
