Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has lauded recent trade successes by Northern Ireland companies in the United States, highlighting the region's continued export growth.

Contracts worth over £200,000 were secured by Belfast-based firms The Foundation and The Creative Media Company following an Invest NI trade mission to Chicago and Toronto last September, which was supported by the then Economy Minister Conor Murphy. Additionally, Seedling and Jo Hopkins Consulting signed new distribution agreements, expanding their presence in North America.

"I congratulate these four companies on their latest export success," Dr Archibald said. "Their ability to compete on the global stage is testament to their ambition, hard work, and talent. Companies like this will help us build an innovative, high-value economy that delivers Good Jobs."

The Minister noted that Northern Ireland is the only UK region to have seen export growth recently. The latest HMRC statistics indicate that while exports from Great Britain fell by 5%, exports from Northern Ireland rose by 1.1% to £11.09 billion in 2023-24. "Over the last four years the north has consistently increased its exports, while regions in Britain saw exports fall," Dr Archibald continued. "The innovation and commitment of our companies, our dual market access, and the effectiveness of Invest NI, have provided a strong basis for export success. Those strengths will remain despite the more challenging global economic context created by US tariffs."

Erin Nixon, Consulting Director at The Foundation, which secured new business delivering brand and go-to-market strategy in the US legal services industry, commented: "Last year's trade mission to North America with Invest NI gave us direct access to potential partners and invaluable support in navigating the complexities of the US market. That backing has been instrumental in helping us secure success in Chicago... This is just the beginning, securing this contract gives us the confidence to expand further in the US, opening new opportunities for growth."

The announcement coincides with Invest NI launching its 2025/26 trade calendar, designed to support businesses in identifying and developing opportunities in new export markets through sector-focused visits, trade missions, exhibitions, and international business development events.

Anne Beggs, Chief Commercial Officer at Invest NI, added: "The success of this trade mission is clear; companies like The Foundation, The Creative Media Company, Jo Hopkins Consulting, and Seedling have turned initial engagements into tangible commercial wins. Their achievements reflect the broader export growth we are seeing, reinforcing Northern Ireland's reputation as a strong global trading partner. With the right insights and support, particularly from our offices around the world, our businesses are proving they can compete and succeed in international markets."