Tom Hayes
Question:93 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the level of Irish and EU trade annually with Cuba; his attitude towards the US trade blockade with Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30029/04]
View answerWednesday, 24 November 2004
Questions (109)
Written answers
In 2003, Ireland exported goods worth €521,000 to Cuba whilst €1,265,000 worth of goods were imported from Cuba. The principal exports were cork and wood manufactures, beverages, cereal and cereal preparations. The principal imports were vegetables, fruit, tobacco and tobacco manufactures.
The EU is Cuba's largest trading partner, accounting for approximately 35% of the country's exports and approximately 40% of its imports in 2002. In the following year, 2003, EU exports to Cuba were valued at €1,069 million, while imports from Cuba were valued at €546 million. The main products imported into the EU from Cuba were tobacco and tobacco products, fish products, fruit and sugar. EU exports to Cuba included machinery, motor vehicles and parts, wheat and flour, plastics and various industrial products.
The Government, in common with our partners in the EU, believes that the US economic embargo on Cuba seriously hampers the economic development of Cuba and negatively affects all of its people. We reject unilateral measures against Cuba which are contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade. On 28 October 2004 in the United Nations General Assembly, Ireland and our EU partners again voted in favour of the annual Cuban-tabled resolution, the Necessity of Ending the Economic, Commercial and Financial Embargo Imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.