Liam Aylward
Ceist:35 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Tourism and Trade if he has examined the growth in imports from Eastern Europe; and if this growth threatens indigenous industry. [16847/95]
Written Answers. - Imports Growth.
For the purposes of my reply I am taking Eastern Europe to consist of Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, the States of Former Yugoslavia, Albania, and the Baltic States. Since 1992 our total trade with the countries of Eastern Europe has more than doubled from £97.8 million to £234 million. Total imports have increased from £67.7 million to £102 million, with coal from Poland, £32.5 million in 1994, accounting for almost one third of the total.
This increase in imports must be seen in the light of a more than four-fold increase in our exports to those countries from £30 million in 1992 to £132 million in 1994, leaving Ireland with an overall trade suplus of about £30 million compared with a deficit of £37 million in 1992. In addition, Irish consultancy companies have done very well in competing for internationally-funded technical assistance projects in those countries. I welcome this rapid growth in trade and particularly our very strong export performance in both goods and services. An Bord Tráchtála, through its offices in Warsaw, Prague, and Budapest will continue to support indigenous Irish companies exporting to these markets.
Ireland fully supports the development of closer economic links between the EU and Eastern Europe which should lead to further growth in trade in the coming years. While some products from Eastern Europe will undoubtedly compete with ours in parts of the Single Market, it must be borne in mind that in return Irish exporters will have access to the rapidly growing markets of Eastern Europe which offer excellent potential for our indigenous exporters for years to come.
The EU has power, of course, to adopt appropriate safeguard measures such as anti-dumping duties against imports from Eastern Europe found to be competing unfairly with Community, including Irish, products.