Rabbitte warns of harsh effects on exports if Britain pulls out of EU

Even the smallest dent in Ireland’s export levels to Britain would outweigh the gains made in exports to the key Bric emerging nations, the British-Irish Chamber of Commerce annual conference heard yesterday.

Addressing delegates on the second day of the inaugural conference; Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources Minister Pat Rabbitte noted that Britain remains “the market of first resort” for new Irish exporters trying to gain a foothold before expanding further afield.

Outlining the importance of Britain as a trading partner, Mr Rabbitte said: “A tiny loss of exports to Britain — between 0.5% and 1% — would immediately wipe out the hard-won increase in exports to the famous Brics. We need, therefore, to remain competitive in that market.”