Irish exporters warn of a 'very challenging' 2020 due to Covid-19 and Brexit

Cork's Tivoli docks. Last year, exports from Ireland to the Eurozone region saw record growth of 15% to €5.6bn. Picture: David Creedon

New contracts won by Enterprise Ireland-backed companies declined by 12% in the first half of 2020 due to Covid-19 with this year described as "very challenging" for Irish exporters.

The state agency responsible for helping Irish companies export to international markets said Covid-19 has had a negative impact on order books and international market confidence. Approximately 1,000 client companies are impacted by the pandemic with 75% reporting that their exports have been impacted by Covid-19 and more than half saw a negative impact on cash flow. 300 companies are very exposed with high levels of exports to the UK.