Oxford Economics Identified £3.5bn Trade Growth Potential
A new report outlines 15 recommendations for businesses to overcome cross-border regulatory barriers.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in International Trade
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Oxford Economics has released a report detailing how services trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could grow by more than £3.5 billion. The research, commissioned by InterTrade Ireland, addresses regulatory hurdles currently facing small and medium-sized enterprises.
Why it matters
The report highlights that a complex, fragmented regulatory environment acts as a primary constraint on expanding cross-border services. By surfacing these barriers, the study aims to provide operators with a clearer roadmap to navigate legal requirements in both jurisdictions.
Services trade currently accounts for 25% of total cross-border trade between the two jurisdictions. The study identifies a potential growth of £3.5 billion in service value, contingent on addressing the 15 recommendations outlined for businesses and policymakers.
The players
Oxford Economics
A global advisory firm providing economic forecasting and policy analysis to private and public sector organizations.
InterTrade Ireland
A cross-border trade and business development body that supports economic cooperation between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
The details
The study suggests that small and medium-sized enterprises specifically struggle with deciphering conflicting regulatory requirements across the border. To mitigate this, the report proposes improving the available evidence base for operators and increasing the transparency of regional procurement opportunities.
Timeline
Over the past decade, services trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland has expanded.
Market Landscape
This study follows a decade of expansion in cross-border services and seeks to address the friction created by the Northern Ireland Protocol. It attempts to provide a path forward for businesses operating within this complex, dual-regulatory environment.
Operators in the region should evaluate their current compliance costs related to cross-border service delivery against the report's findings on regulatory complexity. Identifying internal gaps in understanding these requirements may allow firms to better capture upcoming procurement opportunities.
The takeaway
Businesses should monitor upcoming policy responses to these 15 recommendations to see which regulatory hurdles may be lowered in the near term. Tracking these developments is critical for firms looking to scale service offerings across the Irish border.
Further reading
For broader analysis on cross-border market shifts, see our coverage of International Trade.
Live Poll
Do you believe increasing cross-border trade opportunities in your area will improve the local economy?
