Energy and overheads remain the dominant issues for Irish businesses.
However, the latest All-Island Business Monitor has also found that 91% of businesses in Ireland say they are stable or growing.
Cross-border traders continue to have higher profit margins than their non-exporting peers.
Martin Robinson - InterTrade Ireland's Director of Strategy - says cross border trade can be crucial to success.
"For us it's a key focus, to support businesses, to identify new customers, new suppliers, new partners and trade across the border.
"Our results have shown us that those that do typically enjoy greater stability and growth, and indeed greater profitability.
"It's on an upward trajectory going from strength to strength."
