On May 8, 2025, the United States and the United Kingdom announced a free trade agreement, strengthening a relationship already worth $149.2 billion in 2024. U.S. exports to the UK hit a record $79.94 billion, creating an $11.9 billion trade surplus, driven by industries like metals, pharmaceuticals, automotive, agriculture, and energy.
Ireland also plays a vital role: in 2024, Pennsylvania exported $663 million there, led by pharmaceuticals and plastics. Ireland ranks as Pennsylvania’s ninth largest trading partner, with 382 Irish companies operating in the Commonwealth to expand into North America.
This webinar will explore the growing opportunities in the UK and Ireland and what they mean for your business. Hear directly from experts in-country, logistics specialists, and chambers of commerce representatives.
Presented by the SBDCs at Wilkes University, The University of Scranton, Duquesne University, Shippensburg University, and University of Pittsburgh.
Featured Speaker
Declan Barry is the Authorized Trade and Investment Representative for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Ireland, the UK and Scandinavia. He is the Founder of ExportExplore, a dynamic team of sales professionals, researchers, analysts, and creatives dedicated to driving sustainable economic growth. His mission is to facilitate foreign direct investment and international trade, thereby improving the lives of individuals within local communities.
With over fifteen years of experience in both the public and private sectors, he prides himself on a community-centric approach, ensuring economic benefit to everyone and uplift local living conditions, mental and physical health, and social mobility. He is a Full Member of The Charter Institute of Export and International Trade. He received his bachelor’s degree in marketing and Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership from Ulster University in Northern Ireland.