The trade in the cheddar cheese sector, just like with most agri-food products, is subject to numerous variables. These include production costs, tastes and preferences in export and import markets as well as any issues which effect demand and supply, including geo-political stability or exchange rate volatility.
The 4,162mt referred to in the Deputy's question appears to relate to a figure ascribed to UK imports of cheddar for March, published in the media earlier in the year. It is my understanding that the UK import statistics published were in respect of the month of January and that UK March Trade statistics are not yet published. The UK statistics for January did show that the UK imported 4,162mt of cheddar of which 3,620mt was imported from Ireland.
While any reduction in trade values is a matter of concern, it is not possible to draw clear conclusions from statistics available for a particular month. Nonetheless Irish cheddar cheese exports are dependent to a significant extent on UK markets, and my department is in touch with industry on a regular basis on these and other trade matters.
