Media Release
21st January 2011

‘Our Export Success into China Shows How Competitive Irish Products have become’, state Irish Exporters Association, ‘but the cancelled Ministerial Trade Mission to China in January is not helpful ‘.

In Interviews given to RTE television yesterday concerning the potential for growth of Irish exports to China , which released economic figures showing the Chinese economy had grown by 10.8% , to take its economy to over $5 trillion last year , becoming the second largest economy globally behind the USA , the IEA chief executive John Whelan , stated
‘’Irish exports of merchandise to China grew to €2.6 billion last year , which caps a remarkable 10 year period of over 800% growth in exports to this vast and rapidly growing market , and is a clear demonstration of how competitive Irish exporters to China have become, as well as how rapidly the market has grown’’.

However, he warned that the all our competitors were also targeting the China market and the cancellation of the planned Minister led trade mission to China because of the Irish political volatility, was not helpful. He further called for the planned trade mission to India in mid March to proceed, despite the planned election.

The IEA announced that on the 25th January they will be launching their ASIA TRADE STRATEGY 2011-2015, and would expect the incoming Government on the 11th March to endorse and assist the private sector in its implementation.

In conclusion, the IEA call on all parties to stabilise the political situation, complete the Finance Bill and as collaboratively as possible complete the current Dail period.
John Whelan , concluded by saying , ‘’international trading conditions have turned in our favour after a number of years of difficulties for exporters , we now need stable government to show we are open for business and ready and able to support any inward investment ‘’

Further information released by the IEA on trade with China;
Exports to China now account for 3% of total merchandise exports from Ireland. With the continued rapid growth in the Chinese economy there is potential to take this up to 7 % of total exports by 2015, but a more expansive approach and focused effort will be required by both the state promotion agencies as well as the private sector if this is to be achieved. The IEA will be specifying its strategy in the ASIA TRADE STRATEGY 2011-2015 being launched on the 25th January.
In the year 2010;
· Irish merchandise exports to China (including Hong Kong )
= €2,582,000, 000
· 61% of exports were in Computer equipment exports
· 15% of exports were in Baby foods
· 4.7% of exports were in Dairy products
· 4.6% of exports were I n Pharmaceutical products
· 3.0% of exports were in Medical devices
As our export trade in Computer equipment is scheduled to fall over the next few years, the challenge will be to ensure alternative export activity to China is advanced and expanded.


For further information, contact;
John Whelan
Chief Executive
Tel: 087 927 1243