Northern Ireland Economy Outgrows UK by 11.5% Since 2016 as Manufacturing Jumps 9%
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 23
Northern Ireland Economy Outgrows UK by 11.5% Since 2016 as Manufacturing Jumps 9%
1 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 23
Summary
Northern Ireland’s economy expanded 11.5% in real terms from 2016 to 2023, beating the UK’s 8.7%, while 2023 growth reached 1.5% against a 0.3% national average.
Dual market access under its post-Brexit goods deal helped some manufacturers and food producers win business from Great Britain suppliers, though firms importing from GB still face checks, paperwork and added costs such as a £387 plant inspection charge.
Manufacturing offers the clearest recent sign of an advantage: Northern Ireland’s output surged 9% over the last year while UK industrial production was flat, and payrolls have grown nearly 10% since 2021 versus about 7% nationally.
The outperformance is not solely a Brexit story, with economists pointing to catch-up growth after a deeper post-2008 recession and a 24% decade-long expansion in business services, a sector largely outside the special trade regime.