Ireland's current account surplus reached €17.44 billion in the first quarter of 2026, higher than €5.8 billion a year earlier, as decreases in merchandise exports were offset by lower outflows of investment income. It is equivalent to 12.5% of the GDP, much higher than 3.5% in Q1 2025. Merchandise exports were €77,050 million, a decrease of €36,029 million compared with the first quarter of 2025. Merchandise imports were €46,448 million, an increase of €7,588 million. Service exports rose by €11,528 million mainly due to rising computer services exports. Service imports at €116,861 million were up €1,223 million mainly due to royalty imports. Meanwhile, investment income earned abroad at €78,201 million increased by €6,911 million while investment income payable to foreign investors decreased by €38,559 million to €99,735 million.