The Irish Exporters Association in association with the Port of Cork officially launched the Trade & Transport Analysis
for 2011.



LtoR; John Whelan, IEA, Brendan Keating , Port of Cork, Patrick Daly, Alba Consulting

The reports findings confirmed that 2010 was a story of recovery after two straight years of decline in 2008 and 2009.
Importantly, the recovery trend has not continued into 2011, and exporters fear that shipping lines may not be
able to continue the service levels they need to meet new market requirements.

Speaking at the launch of the Trade and Transport Analysis 2011 at the Port of Cork, Mr John Whelan,
Chief Executive at the Irish Exporters Association, that the analysis shows;
• export volumes have now returned to the pre –recession levels
• but import volumes are still 12.9% below 2007 levels . The analysis further shows that airfreight imports
are down by 36% indicating a dramatic loss in high value luxury imports , whereas sea-freight imports are
down by over 9% , reflecting the depressed domestic economy .

Mr Brendan Keating, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Cork, welcoming exporters to the launch event stated;
‘’A 9% increase in exports are expected through the Port of Cork during 2011, which is very positive for the region.’’

He went on to say the Port of Cork is committed to supporting the growth of international trade and meeting
the needs of exporters and importers of goods , particularly from the distant but rapidly growing Asian and
South American markets . He also pointed to the Ports commitment by sponsoring the Deep Sea
Shipping Award with the Irish Exporters Association. He concluded by saying ‘’The Port of Cork is happy
to be associated with the Irish Exporters Association in producing the Trade and Transport Analysis 2011. 

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