Irish exporters at risk from US vote outcome

A major Irish manufacturing survey has provided further evidence of the huge hit facing Irish exporters from the slump in the value of sterling against the euro, and raised a significant warning about a potential further fallout from the US elections next week.

The latest Investec Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index for Ireland found that industry here expanded at a modest rate in October, while “anecdotal evidence highlighted falling new orders from UK clients following the decision to the leave the UK and the subsequent depreciation of sterling against the euro”.

And the survey highlighted a new risk after a roller-coaster year for Irish exporting firms from the uncertain outlook of the tightening race for the White House between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, with less than a week to the November 8 vote.