Press Release

Immediate Release

Exports to Continental Europe Under Threat From Le Havre Docker Strike

The IEA (Irish Exporters Association) today advised that the strike by French dock workers in Le Havre was a worrying start to the New Year for Irish exporters.

John Whelan, CEO of the Irish Exporters Association stated;

“Le Havre is an important port of entry not just for France but the whole of continental Europe. Any disruption in Irish Exporters supply line to European customers is unwelcome at anytime but even more damaging right now as we try to trade our way out of a recession”

The IEA advised that the 24 house dispute in Le Havre is over the French Governments plans to privatise the French ports, could be repeated at the other French ports of Cherbourg and Calais. A further stoppage is expected on Wednesday the 6^th of January in Le Havre.

However, the IEA are confident that flexible solutions to avoid disruption to Irish exports are being put in place following its discussions with shipping lines into France, and that exporters do not need to rearrange shipment routings scheduled for Le Havre at this point and time.

Irish Exports to Continental Europe increased by 3% in 2009, to €37.5 billion. This was one of the markets to return to early growth in 2009, and as it is mainly a euro zone without currency exchange rate difficulties, it is a key target market for further export growth in 2010.

For further information on this dispute and shipping solutions to avoid disruption, please contact John Whelan at the Irish Exporters Association.

Mobile: 087 9271243

Email: jfwhelan@irishexporters.ie