Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 February 2022
196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the extent to which Irish exports to the UK and the European Union have fluctuated since Brexit; if particular trends are emerging in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7326/22]
View answerThe Central Statistics Office compiles statistical data in relation to Goods Exports and Imports. These statistics can be found on the website www.cso.ie
According to the CSO, in 2020 the value of goods exports from Ireland to the UK fell by 8% to €14,715 million when compared with 2019. However, in the period January - November 2021 (latest data available) goods exports from Ireland to the UK reached a value of €16,686 million, which is a 25% increase on the same period in 2020.
In 2020, the value of services exports from Ireland to the UK fell by 1% to €35,119 million when compared with 2019. In the period January – September 2021 (latest data available) services exports to the UK reached a value of €28,603 million, which is a 14% increase on the same period in 2020.
In 2020, the value of goods exports from Ireland to EU27 increased by 14% to €64,214 when compared with 2019. In the period January - November 2021 (latest data available) goods exports to EU27 were valued at €56,521, which is a 5% decrease on the same period in 2020.
In 2020, the value of services exports from Ireland to EU27 increased by 12% to €74,714 million when compared with 2019. In the period January – September 2021 (latest data available) the value of services exports from Ireland to EU27 reached a value of €64,146 million, which is a 23% increase on the same period in 2020.
There are a number of factors contributing to fluctuations in trade with both the UK and EU27, including the challenges of complying with customs requirements associated with Brexit, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. My Department continues to monitor the performance of the import and export sectors as the outlook for exports to the UK, EU27 and rest of the world is being impacted by both Brexit and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The long-term response to Brexit is for companies across all sectors to become more competitive, more innovative and to diversify their export footprint into more international markets.
