Manufacturing and agri-food sectors ‘the key drivers’ of export growth

SEVERAL factors boosted the economy’s record export performance in 2010, including a significant pick-up in activity in key global markets.

The BRIC countries including Brazil, Russia, India and China imported 12% more in 2010. Sales to the USA rose by 18% and to Canada by 27%.

Germany was the stand-out economy where we exported 42% more than in 2009.