Minister McEntee points to trade opportunities for Ireland with Latin America and the Caribbean

Minister McEntee points to trade opportunities for Ireland with Latin America and the Caribbean

• From: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

• Published on: 13 May 2026
• Last updated on: 13 May 2026

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee TD, today highlighted the potential for Ireland's future economic partnership with Latin America and the Caribbean, calling on Irish businesses to look to the region as the next trade frontier.

Minister McEntee was speaking at the Ireland, Latin America and the Caribbean Trade Horizons Forum at Croke Park, which saw trade delegations and businesses from a range of sectors across Ireland and the Latin America and Caribbean region come together to explore mutual opportunities for trade growth.

Total two-way trade between Ireland and Latin America and the Caribbean has seen as much as a 64% increase since 2021, reaching a record €18 billion. Two-way trade in goods alone between Ireland and the region has more than doubled in that time.

Acknowledging the strong momentum in trade relations and referencing the Government's Market Diversification Strategy, Minister McEntee highlighted the LAC region as one of the areas globally where Ireland can still make significant strides.

Minister McEntee said: "The Government has invested significantly in our engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean in recent years, increasing our operational footprint, supporting new direct air routes, and negotiating new Double Taxation Agreements.

"We are seeing the results of these efforts in record trade growth, reinforcing the potential of our partnership. More than ever in these uncertain times, we need to build on these connections. I am confident that the Forum will provide the momentum needed to drive forward further growth - not just economically, but also in the political and multilateral spheres and in terms of our shared values".

The Minister for Enterprise, Employment and Tourism, Peter Burke TD, said: "Ireland's engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean is entering a promising new chapter. As global trade continues to evolve, these dynamic and diverse markets present significant opportunities for Irish enterprise. The Ireland, Latin America and the Caribbean Trade Horizons conference is a regionally focused event under the Trade Horizons' banner.

"This event, jointly organised by my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, underscores the strength and importance of a 'Team Ireland' approach to international markets. This event showcases the significant existing links between Ireland and the Latin America and the Caribbean region and seeks to identify additional opportunities for partnership and cooperation."

The Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon TD, said: "I was honoured to travel to Guatemala and Mexico for St Patrick's Day, which is a moment when Ireland's global friendships shine. It was great to welcome many distinguished guests to Ireland for the Trade Horizons Forum. Their contribution to strengthening ties between Ireland and the region is invaluable, and I look forward to seeing trade between Ireland and the region grow over the next few years. "

The Forum also saw addresses by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados, Christopher Sinckler, and Minister of State for Industry, Investment and Commerce of Jamaica, Delano Seiveright.

The Ireland Latin America and Caribbean Trade Horizons Forum was organised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment.

Notes:

Led by Global Ireland: Ireland's Strategy for Latin America and the Caribbean, bilateral and multilateral engagement with Latin America and the Caribbean has grown significantly in recent years, as evidenced by Ireland's opening of Offices in the region for both the Caribbean region and Central America.

Latest available figures show that two-way trade in goods and services between Ireland, Latin America and the Caribbean reached a record €18 billion in 2024, a 64% increase since 2021.

Two-way trade in goods between Ireland and Latin America and the Caribbean reached €9.0 billion in 2025, more than doubling from €4.4 billion in 2021.