Ireland FDI Outflows
Foreign direct investment, net outflows as % of GDP BM.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS
Ireland's fdi outflows was 2.40% in 2025, ranked 31st globally. This represents a 78.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1987–2025.
Overview
Ireland's fdi outflows stood at 2.40% in 2025, a decline of +8.62% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.40% by 2025. Ireland ranked 31st globally.
Ireland’s foreign direct investment (FDI) outflows have risen sharply from a modest 0.32 in 1987 to 2.40 in 2025, placing the country 31st globally. The dramatic surge peaked in 2015 at 59.81, reflecting a period of aggressive outbound investment by Irish multinational subsidiaries, before a sharp reversal produced a trough of –24.24 in 2019 as firms repatriated capital amid global uncertainty. Over the 39‑year series, the average outflow now sits just above 2, aligning closely with peers such as Iceland (2.53) and Saudi Arabia (2.39) in the latest year. The post‑trough rebound suggests that Irish firms are again seeking growth opportunities abroad, supported by a favourable corporate tax regime and expanding export markets. Continued improvements in global demand and stability in exchange rates will be crucial for sustaining this upward trajectory, while any major fiscal or regulatory shifts could alter the pattern of outward investment.
Data & projection
| Year | FDI Outflows | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 5.05% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 3.73% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.40% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.40% | −8.62% | #31 |
| 2024 | 11.02% | +33.41% | #163 |
| 2023 | -22.39% | −20.85% | #5 |
| 2022 | -1.54% | −25.25% | #8 |
| 2021 | 23.71% | +42.36% | #171 |
| 2020 | -18.65% | +5.59% | #4 |
| 2019 | -24.24% | −47.71% | #1 |
| 2018 | 23.47% | +23.37% | #170 |
| 2017 | 0.10% | −31.42% | #58 |
| 2016 | 31.52% | −28.29% | #171 |
| 2015 | 59.81% | +25.40% | #170 |
| 2014 | 34.41% | +14.46% | #168 |
| 2013 | 19.95% | +5.88% | #163 |
| 2012 | 14.07% | +14.71% | #161 |
| 2011 | -0.63% | −8.22% | #10 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ireland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw fdi outflows improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ireland's fdi outflows was 2.40% in 2025. Ranked 31st globally. This represents a 78.2% decrease from the previous year.
Ireland's fdi outflows peaked at 59.81% in 2015.
The lowest fdi outflows in Ireland was -24.24% in 2019.
Ireland ranks 31st globally in fdi outflows as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is BM.KLT.DINV.WD.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ireland's fdi outflows is projected to reach 2.40% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fdi outflows of Ireland in 2025 was 2.40%. This ranks 31st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ireland_fdi-outflows,
title = {Ireland FDI Outflows},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ireland/fdi-outflows/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}