Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Oct 1994

Vol. 445 No. 6

Written Answers. - Trade Statistics.

Ivor Callely

Question:

106 Mr. Callely asked the Taoiseach the countries with which Ireland has had a noticeable increase in trade over the last two years; the breakdown of such trade developments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [912/94]

The Taoiseach

The introduction of the new intrastat survey system, following the abolition of intra-EU customs controls, has resulted in some discontinuities in the classification of trade by country of origin/destination. The problem arises in relation to non-EU trade which transits through other member states. Previously some of this trade was incorrectly classified as EU trade, whereas under the new system the classification by origin/destination is more accurate. As a result, the published figures tend to overstate the real increase in trade with non-EU countries, while understating the increase in intra-EU trade.

The following tables give total exports and total imports for our main trading partners in each of the years 1991 to 1993. The tables should be interpreted subject to the above qualification.

Irish Exports by Main Trading Partner, 1991-1993 (£m).

Country	1991	1992	1993
United Kingdom	4,799	5,232	5,599
France	1,425	1,603	1,791
Belgium and Luxembourg	737	810	796
Netherlands	997	1,161	1,128
Germany	1,906	2,122	2,606
Italy	647	680	714
Spain	343	384	413
Japan	342	480	727
Singapore	54	52	94
Sweden	250	292	342
Switzerland	246	273	352
USA	1,309	1,368	1,790

CLASS="CP">Irish Imports by Main Trading Partner, 1991-1993 (£m).

Country	1991	1992	1993
United Kingdom	5,320	5,602	5,359
France	559	587	578
Belgium and Luxembourg	271	273	223
Netherlands	563	581	465
Germany	1,058	1,104	1,071
Italy	320	314	301
Spain	134	122	129
Japan	640	660	967
Singapore	96	111	325
Sweden	200	196	205
Switzerland	98	121	138
USA	1,921	1,869	2,532