44% of Irish SME online sales are cross-border
Around 44% of sales made by Irish SMEs who sell online are made outside Ireland, research from PayPal shows.
The findings also show that for one in four (25%) small companies expanding internationally, AI tools have made it easier to enter and operate new markets.
In a survey of SME owners in Ireland whose businesses sell online, a majority (51%) are confident about their growth prospects for 2026.
Central to this confidence is the rise of social commerce, with 78% reporting that they use social media channels for sales.
More than half (56%) of business owners surveyed now feel that social media commerce is more effective than traditional e-commerce platforms for driving sales, while a fifth (21%) expect it to be the main driver of business growth in the next 12 months.
The study reveals that Instagram shopping (52%), YouTube shopping (52%), Facebook shops (51%) and TikTok shops (34%) are the leading social platforms for social commerce.
Irish SMEs are significant adopters of AI technology, with 78% of business owners currently using AI in either business or customer processes.
Driving innovation (62%), reducing finance administration (59%) and driving revenue growth (57%) are cited as the greatest benefits to business operations.
Business owners expanding internationally believe it will help them to attract global talent (29%) as well as secure higher revenue/margin opportunities (25%).
Among those already selling internationally, 80% expect overseas sales to increase in the next 12 months.
“Irish SME owners are operating in fast-moving and competitive environments," said Jonas Breding, general manager of PayPal Northern Europe.
"From AI adoption and the rise of social commerce to the introduction of new payment methods, business owners are continuously having to evolve to meet changing consumer expectations.
"The scale of this change also brings real opportunities for Irish businesses. On average, SMEs who sell online are generating 44% of their sale cross-border.
Jonas Breding, general manager, northern Europe, PayPal
"By leveraging digital channels, social commerce and ecommerce technology, we can see that Irish SMEs are well positioned to reach customers across the world.
"The businesses that will thrive are those that continue to invest in the right tools, removing friction from the customer journey and fully embracing international sales opportunities.”
Photo: Jonas Breding. (Pic: Supplied)
Comments (0)