Irish exports to non-EU markets rise

Marts: As EU figures show a sharp decline in exports of beef and live cattle by the EU-25 to international markets in 2006, Ireland has emerged as second largest supplier to the non-EU markets.

Figures for the first seven months of this year show Ireland exported more beef and live cattle to international markets than the same period in 2005, the only EU country to show an increase in sales.

An improvement in the trade to Russia as the year progressed contributed to the stronger performance by Irish exporters, with the total volume equivalent increasing to 17,600 tonnes, according to Bord Bia, the promotional body for Irish exports of beef and live cattle.