Why Irish Companies Should Expand to China in 2025: Market Trends, Sectors & Strategic Advantages
- Kristina Coluccia
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
As the global economy shifts eastward, China continues to offer unmatched opportunities for international businesses seeking growth, innovation, and long-term success. For Irish companies to expand in the China market represents not just an opportunity—but a strategic imperative.
With bilateral trade at record highs, strong government-level cooperation, and growing demand for high-quality foreign goods and services, 2025 is the ideal time for Irish businesses to enter China.
Ireland-China Trade: A Relationship on the Rise
In recent years, China has become Ireland’s most important trading partner in Asia and one of its largest globally outside the EU. According to Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO), bilateral trade in goods surpassed €21 billion (US$22 billion) in 2024, reflecting an 8.1% increase year-on-year.
Ireland’s exports to China—driven by pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food products—have consistently grown in both volume and value. At the same time, Chinese investment in Ireland has increased, reinforcing the two-way nature of this expanding relationship.
This momentum, supported by diplomatic visits and trade agreements, shows that Ireland-China trade is not just growing—it’s accelerating.
Key 2024 Trade Highlights:
€9.5 billion in Irish exports to China
€11.8 billion in Chinese imports to Ireland
40% of Ireland’s Asian exports went to China
Major export categories: integrated circuits, pharmaceuticals, and agri-food products
Government Incentives: Lower Barriers, More Access
Irish companies now enjoy one of the most favorable business environments in China among European peers, thanks to several government initiatives:
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTA)
This treaty prevents double taxation on income earned in both Ireland and China—helping reduce financial friction and improving after-tax profitability for Irish firms operating in China.
Visa-Free Travel for Irish Citizens
As of March 2024, Irish passport holders can travel visa-free to China for up to 30 days, with the policy extended until at least the end of 2025. This is a major facilitator for Irish entrepreneurs, executives, and business developers looking to build local relationships.
Strategic Political Alignment
Recent high-level engagements—like Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s visit to Ireland and reciprocal discussions with Irish ministers—signal a clear political will to strengthen economic ties and support bilateral business expansion.
High-Potential Sectors for Irish Businesses in China
Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare
Ireland is a global pharmaceutical hub—and China’s healthcare needs are rapidly evolving due to an aging population and increased demand for advanced treatments.
Opportunities include:
Biotech and life sciences
Medical devices
Blood and immunological products
Precision and digital healthcare
China’s health sector is undergoing reform, with heavy investment in R&D, innovation, and digital transformation—all areas where Irish firms excel.
Technology and Electronics
Irish companies are already key suppliers of integrated circuits and advanced electronic equipment to China. As China pursues technological self-sufficiency and digital modernization, opportunities for AI, cybersecurity, cloud solutions, and IoT products are expanding.
There’s also space for collaboration in semiconductor design, data centers, and smart manufacturing—especially for firms with niche expertise.
Agri-Food and Nutrition
Ireland’s global reputation for clean, traceable, high-quality food products positions it perfectly to serve Chinese consumers—who are increasingly demanding premium imported dairy, meat, and nutrition-focused products.
High-potential categories include:
Organic and functional foods
Infant formula and maternal health products
Dairy and beef with traceability systems
Plant-based or sustainable protein solutions
Financial Services and Fintech
As Chinese capital flows into Ireland’s financial sector, Irish fintech and financial service providers can tap into the growing demand for cross-border investment services, wealth management, and digital payment solutions in China.
There’s also strong potential in regtech, blockchain, and green finance, particularly with China’s rapid digitalization of its financial infrastructure.
Chinese Consumer Trends: Why Irish Brands Fit
Chinese consumers are:
Brand-conscious and willing to pay more for premium quality
Digitally native, relying on e-commerce and social media to discover products
Increasingly focused on health, sustainability, and authenticity
Irish products align naturally with these preferences, especially in pharma, food, and clean tech sectors. The key is localization—adapting branding, packaging, and messaging to resonate with the Chinese market.
The Competitive Advantage of Entering Early
Despite its vast potential, China remains a complex and competitive market. The earlier Irish companies enter, the more they can establish brand awareness, secure partnerships, and gain regulatory familiarity.
Early entrants benefit from:
First-mover advantage in niche sectors
Long-term relationship building with local stakeholders
Greater adaptability to regulatory and market changes
Enhanced ability to localize and innovate for Chinese consumers
From deepening political ties to booming bilateral trade, there has never been a better moment for Irish businesses to expand into China.
Whether you're a tech innovator, pharma leader, food exporter, or fintech disruptor, China offers vast potential—and the incentives and infrastructure are in place to support your success.
Ready to Explore China?
Woodburn Global is your trusted partner for navigating the China market. With decades of experience helping foreign companies establish and grow in China, we provide:
Market entry strategy and business setup
Tax and compliance advisory
HR and payroll solutions
IP protection and legal structuring
Ongoing back-office support
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.