Ireland is a small open economy where the international environment has a significant impact on Irish business. Our economy is significantly dependent on foreign trade. Ireland has a limited range of natural resources. We have to import raw materials for production and finished goods to sell to consumers. Because of the small size of the home market and in order for firms to grow and expand, they have to export. Thus importing and exporting forms a large part of business activity in Ireland. Ireland is fortunate that there are no restrictions on the movement of goods and services in and out of the country.