asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the level of imports of cement into this country over the previous five years on a yearly basis; the country of origin of the imports; if he is satisfied that all imports of cement originate in EEC countries; and if he is aware of the difficulties being created for the cement industry as a result of an increase in imports; the measures he proposes to take in relation to this subject; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Cement Imports.
505.
The information on imports of cement sought by the Deputy follows in tabular form.
Imports of Portland Cement
1979
|
Country* |
Volume(Tonnes) |
Value(£'s) |
|
France |
6,745 |
238,044 |
|
Belgium/Luxembourg |
11,740 |
385,774 |
|
Netherlands |
1,096 |
31,954 |
|
Germany F.R. |
62,411 |
1,949,485 |
|
Italy |
513 |
10,766 |
|
Great Britain |
7,682 |
489,203 |
|
Northern Ireland |
15,025 |
560,128 |
|
Norway |
3 |
2,159 |
|
Sweden |
35 |
4,713 |
|
Spain |
40,127 |
1,345,140 |
|
US |
10 |
346 |
|
Canada |
12 |
1,988 |
|
Total |
145,399 |
5,019,700 |
1980
|
Country* |
Volume(Tonnes) |
Value(£'s) |
|
France |
10,747 |
435,951 |
|
Belgium/Luxembourg |
3,837 |
149,327 |
|
Netherlands |
1,340 |
37,200 |
|
Germany F.R. |
19,289 |
714,497 |
|
Great Britain |
9,036 |
688,054 |
|
Northern Ireland |
15,543 |
739,459 |
|
Sweden |
14 |
2,639 |
|
Spain |
18,633 |
562,363 |
|
Poland |
9,405 |
267,358 |
|
Total |
87,844 |
3,596,848 |
1981
|
Country* |
Volume(Tonnes) |
Value(£'s) |
|
France |
95 |
10,561 |
|
Belgium/Luxembourg |
320 |
26,832 |
|
Netherlands |
20,471 |
683,541 |
|
Germany F.R. |
4,565 |
167,737 |
|
Great Britain |
4,787 |
576,964 |
|
Denmark |
60 |
2,629 |
|
Northern Ireland |
5,573 |
318,209 |
|
Spain |
12,048 |
424,199 |
|
Total |
47,919 |
2,210,672 |
1982
|
Country* |
Volume(Tonnes) |
Value(£'s) |
|
Belgium/Luxembourg |
260 |
22,286 |
|
Netherlands |
10,486 |
401,758 |
|
Germany F.R. |
26,505 |
1,059,369 |
|
Great Britain |
3,993 |
468,047 |
|
Northern Ireland |
5,846 |
378,524 |
|
Spain |
35,973 |
1,201,630 |
|
Germany D.R. |
13,482 |
503,906 |
|
Total |
96,545 |
4,035,520 |
1983
|
Country* |
Volume(Tonnes) |
Value(£'s) |
|
Belgium/Luxembourg |
644 |
58,520 |
|
Netherlands |
2,436 |
128,559 |
|
Germany F.R. |
30,278 |
1,289,886 |
|
Italy |
15 |
835 |
|
Great Britain |
4,640 |
392,065 |
|
Denmark |
100 |
10,261 |
|
Northern Ireland |
9,788 |
657,166 |
|
Spain |
31,422 |
1,080,217 |
|
Germany D.R. |
19,930 |
719,923 |
|
Total |
99,253 |
4,337,432 |
*Above figures show the country of origin of the imports. Some of these imports may have been transhipped through a 3rd country.
While the volume of imports of cement have fluctuated over the past five years, its estimated share of the Irish market has not exceeded 7 per cent and has been virtually static in the past two years. The recession in the construction industry has been the major factor contributing to the problems of the Irish cement industry. I would like to assure the Deputy that the import situation is being closely monitored.
I understand that the scope for taking possible action against any harmful dumping of imports from outside the EEC is being considered by the EEC Commission. As regards imports of cement from other member states of the EEC, which accounted for about 50 per cent of total imports (volume) in 1983, our obligations as a member of the EEC generally preclude us from restricting such imports.