Firms urged to target US as exports rise 22%

IRISH exports to the US in the first four months of 2004 were 22% ahead of the same period last year, leaving Ireland on course to become America’s eighth largest trading partner.

American Importers Association director general Phillip Byrd said yesterday that Ireland was punching above its weight and called on Irish exporters to build on their success and do more business in the US.

Speaking at an Irish Exporters Association (IEA) function in Dublin, Mr Byrd said 87% of American importers had a positive opinion of Irish goods. He predicted that Irish exports to the US would be worth more than $30 billion in the current year, driven by strong performances in the chemical, drugs, medical equipment and electronics sectors. The US eclipsed Britain as Ireland’s biggest export market last year.