Irish firms preparing to reduce reliance on US

57% of Irish enterprises looking to reduce US reliance amid economic concerns.

Amid growing concerns about global economic stability, a considerable number (57%) of large enterprises in Ireland are actively investigating ways to reduce their reliance on the United States.

According to new research from Expleo based on interviews with 200 business and IT decision-makers in organisations with 250+ employees, 28% of respondents consider a potential trade war with the US as one of the most significant threats to Ireland’s digital economy over the next 12 months.

Since November 2024, 64% of large Irish organisations have assigned at least one person or an entire team to assess the impact of US policies on their business operations.

Economic outlook remains cautious

Phil Codd, managing director for Ireland at Expleo

The research indicates widespread preparation for economic challenges ahead, with 63% of enterprises bracing for a weaker Irish economy and 64% anticipating a weaker global economy over the next year.

Despite these concerns, 66% of large organizations still expect business growth in the coming 12 months. This optimism is more pronounced among private enterprises (72%) compared to publicly listed companies (62%).

Digital infrastructure constraints ranked as the top concern (31%), followed by US trade war fears and cybersecurity threats (both at 28%).

Ireland remains attractive for innovation

Despite economic uncertainties, 70% of business leaders believe Ireland remains a good location for digital innovation.

“Our research clearly points to a nervousness among the largest enterprises in Ireland about geopolitical risk,” said Phil Codd, Mmanaging director for Ireland at Expleo.

“By diversifying their trading relationships and reducing overreliance on any one market – even one as significant as the US – organisations can build greater resilience against global economic shocks.”

Codd cautioned against hasty decisions: “It is crucial that businesses – particularly large ones – avoid knee-jerk reactions. The US remains the world’s largest economy and an important trading partner. The goal should not be to abandon trading relationships with the US, but to supplement it with new ones.

“Now is not the time to retreat – it is a time for bold action,” Codd emphasised. “The most successful organisations of the future will be those who embrace change, not fear it. In times of uncertainty, they will step forward, innovate and transform.

“At Expleo, we are empowering enterprises to move with confidence. We are using data-driven insights and transformative strategies that enable organisations to stand up to disruption and harness it as a catalyst for progress.”

• Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here

• For support in challenging times, click here

• Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:

• Spotify

• SoundCloud

• Apple