April 20, 2012

Ireland's meat, dairy product exports up

Ireland's 2011 dairy products and meat exports had a dramatic increase of which half of all products exported by indigenous Irish companies were in the food sector.

Figures released Thursday (Apr 19) by the Irish Maritime Development Office also show that while exports to the UK remained at the same level, there was a significant increase in exports to the US and Asia last year. The export of dairy products increased by 24%, while meat increased by 15%.

Director of the Office Glenn Murphy described food and drink exports as recession-proof. There was a 9% increase in exports of medical and pharmaceutical products, and a 4% rise in organic chemicals exports. Exports of computer equipment fell by 10%.

Overall though, the recovery in the level of exports that had started in 2010 slowed at the beginning of last year before turning into decreasing figures by the end of 2011. Only one of the five main cargo segments witnessed any growth - that was the "dry bulk volume" containers which is food and drink products, pharmaceutical products etc.

Container imports continued to fall as they have done for the last five years.