Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 October 2018
168. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of dairy exports over the past three years to various export markets; the extent to which he expects this to continue notwithstanding external issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41725/18]
View answerIn 2017, Ireland exported dairy products to 147 countries totalling over €4.6 billion worth of produce.
Irish dairy products have a highly rated and hard earned reputation in terms of quality, safety and sustainability, and this gives them a competitive edge in markets over the world. My Department, in conjunction with other stakeholders, including the Irish dairy companies and agencies such as Bord Bia, are playing a key role in building the market for Irish dairy with intensive Ministerial trade mission programmes and other promotional work. Against the backdrop of our efforts to significantly increase dairy output and grow the sector, export market diversification is of the utmost importance, and this is particularly true in the context of a post-Brexit scenario.
Aggregate dairy exports in 2017 increased by approx 17.6% in value against 2016, indicating another robust performance by the Irish dairy sector in international markets.
The long-term fundamentals of the global dairy market are strong, with growing global demand projected from fast developing countries with increasing middle classes and more westernised diets. Whilst significant challenges, in particular price volatility, have continued throughout recent years, there is confidence that the Irish and EU dairy sector is well placed to gain from the opportunity presented by expanding global demand whilst simultaneously addressing these challenges.
The following table, based on CSO data, shows the total dairy exports and exports, to some of Ireland's key markets from 2015 - 2017.
|
|
2015 |
|
2016 |
|
2017 |
|
|
Country |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
€000 |
Tonnes |
|
Total |
3,858,828 |
1,179,504 |
3,951,757 |
1,210,235 |
4,646,098 |
1,361,417 |
|
EU |
2,121,910 |
770,389 |
2,007,640 |
731,495 |
2,514,621 |
835,986 |
|
Of which United Kingdom (incl GB and NI) |
960,766 |
388,850 |
856,445 |
337,339 |
996,410 |
381,697 |
|
Non-EU |
1,736,917 |
409,115 |
1,944,117 |
478,740 |
2,131,477 |
525,431 |
|
Of which China (incl Hong Kong) |
486,516 |
55,823 |
643,120 |
69,630 |
667,238 |
74,542 |
|
Of which United States |
186,184 |
31,232 |
172,435 |
33,819 |
189,046 |
37,929 |
