March 13, 2026 — New York — The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland (AmCham) launched its 2026 US-Ireland Business Report revealing US firms’ massive investment in Ireland surpasses China, Germany, and France, with the US foreign direct investment (FDI) stock reaching $467 billion (€404 billion) in 2024, exceeding levels in those countries combined.
The report, unveiled at the Consulate General of Ireland in New York by Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Peter Burke, AmCham President Mark Cockerill and CEO Paul Sweetman, cites US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) data showing Ireland’s position at $466.8 billion on a historical-cost basis, ranking fifth globally behind the UK, Netherlands, Luxembourg and Singapore.
Key Comparisons
US firms’ massive investment in Ireland surpasses China, Germany, and France, according to economist Joseph Quinlan’s analysis in the report: US FDI in Ireland ($467 billion) topped Germany ($226 billion), France ($108 billion), China ($123 billion) and even India ($58 billion). Coverage in the Irish Examiner highlighted this as more than those nations combined.
Economic Impact
Nearly 1,000 US affiliates operate in Ireland, generating $625 billion in sales and $150 billion in output while employing about 165,000 people directly, per the AmCham report. Broader figures cite 245,000 direct jobs from US firms. Two-way ties are strong, with Irish FDI in the US at $390 billion, making Ireland the fifth-largest source.
“U.S. foreign direct investment stock in Ireland totaled $467 billion in 2024, well above comparable numbers for Germany ($226 billion), France ($108 billion) and Asia’s twin giants, China ($123 billion) and India ($58 billion).”
— Joseph Quinlan, AmCham report
Official Statements
AmCham CEO Paul Sweetman described the relationship as a “deeply embedded, two-way economic partnership.”
“This is not simply a strong trading relationship, it is a deeply embedded, two-way economic partnership that supports high-value jobs, research, innovation and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.”
— Paul Sweetman, Irish Examiner
US firms’ massive investment in Ireland surpasses China, Germany, and France, underscoring resilience amid global uncertainties, Sweetman noted nearly 70% of members plan further investments in AI and upskilling.
The Business Post reported ties “will grow stronger,” while Business Plus covered Minister Burke’s launch emphasis on the partnership.
Broader Context
Ireland serves as a transatlantic hub, with AmCham President Cockerill linking it to Ireland’s 2026 EU presidency for advancing competitiveness. Taoiseach Micheál Martin affirmed commitment to FDI in digitalisation and AI.
US firms’ massive investment in Ireland surpasses China, Germany, and France, positioning Ireland as a top FDI destination per BEA rankings and AmCham findings.