Exporters need help, says lobby group

Irish exporters need urgent assistance after posting their worst half-yearly figures to June 2003, according to the Irish Exporters' Association.

Exports to the UK were down 48% to June this year and many companies may be unable to benefit from an economic upswing, the business group said today.

The rise of the euro currency against sterling was a determining factor in the poor performance, according to IEA chief executive, John Whelan.

Also, effective recession in Germany, Italy and Spain added to the decrease.

Whelan urged State agencies to re-evaluate their sales strategy for the eurozone and the UK and called for higher staffing levels in Enterprise Ireland offices overseas to promote Irish products and services.

Data contained in the IEA's mid-year review also showed that exports to the US now account for 20% of the total export figure.

Overall, the forecast for 2003 looks to be a loss of 13% in export sales over 2002.

The 13% fall breaks down into a 5% price loss and an 8% volume loss.