Irish exports to US see major rise

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) is bullish after news that Irish exports to the US rose by 22%.

They are confident about growth in world trade led by a resurgent US market.

Speaking at the IEA’s Presidents luncheon, held at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin today Mr Michael Counahan, President of the Association said: “Irish exporters are increasingly finding success in the American market, despite the fluctuating euro/dollar exchange rate, the increased cost of security and the EU-US import duty trade war.

“Last year the US market became Ireland’s largest export market.

“Exports to the US have continued their dramatic increase in the first four months of this year, with US imports from Ireland showing a staggering 22% increase on 2003."

Mr Phillip Byrd, Director General of the American Importers Association said: “A recent survey of American importers shows that 87% have a positive opinion of Irish goods.

“This is reflected in the import statistics into the US from Ireland in the first four months of this year increasing by 22% over last year.

“If the trend continues, then imports from Ireland will reach $30bn (€24.2bn) by the year end, thus making Ireland the 8th largest trading partner of the USA.

“More and more American importers want to do business over the internet and this could be the key to customer retention."

Commenting on Mr Byrd’s emphasis on the internet, Michael Counahan, the IEA President, said: “Irish exporters need cost effective and advanced communication services in order to facilitate the growth of trade not only to the US but also globally.

“And although recent strides by the Government to introduce Municipal Area Broadband networks, facilitated by companies such as Smart Telecom, we continue to be well behind Finland, Sweden, Germany and the UK in the commercial use of the internet."