Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 December 2021
213. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the value of cross-Border agriculture trade in 2020 and 2021; and the measures being considered to boost cross-Border agricultural trade both to and from the North of Ireland. [59180/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020 agri-food exports to NI were valued at €1,049 million and imports were valued at €1,010 million. In the period to end of September 2021 exports have reached €1,139 million, while imports from NI are valued at €1,021 million.
The Withdrawal Agreement between the EU and UK provides for no additional requirements to be applied to trade between Ireland and Northern Ireland. This ensures that, despite the end of the transition period associated with the UK's exit from the EU, there are no new barriers to trade on the island of Ireland. This is not the case in respect of trade between Britain and the EU where additional customs and regulatory controls now apply.
This difference in the trading environment is, I believe, a key driver of the increased trade flows between Ireland and Northern Ireland already in 2021 compared to 2020.
The Government is therefore focused on maintaining these benefits from the Withdrawal Agreement for agriculture producers and businesses in Ireland and Northern Ireland. This will ensure certainty for these agri-food businesses and provide the conditions to allow this trade to continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead.
