...but the survey shows exporters have major concerns;
- Business cost base rising - Three out of four reporting increases over the past 12months.
- Over 75% say that government red tape as having adverse impact on their business.
- Over 90% of Irish Exporters have made no preparations for the collapse of the euro
- Access to finance- Four out of five reporting no improvement since last year.
- Bad debts have risen –with 52% of exporters affected.
- Export Credit insurance still a problem- 87% of exporters believe there should be a government supported export credit insurance scheme.
- High degrees of dissatisfaction with Government agencies grant application process.
At the launch (today 23 November) of the IEA Export Ireland Survey, Chief Executive John Whelan stated, ‘’Optimism and confidence amongst exporters is clearly expressed in this Survey, with 80% forecasting an increase in exports next year. ‘’
Patrick Burke, Partner with Grant Thornton said, “Exporters continue to play a critical part in the rejuvenation of the Irish economy. While export led growth is being achieved this report identifies a number of key areas which require action. Strain is particularly evident in the area of the competitiveness of our cost base."
John Whelan said, “This message must be taken in conjunction with the other key messages from exporters outlined in the Survey.
The cost base for exporters is still a problem , with labour costs identified as the number one concern , followed by trade finance and energy costs.‘’
“Exporters are putting out a strong message that economic growth can be export led over the next few years, said Whelan.
The report was carried out by the Irish Exporters Association in collaboration with Grant Thornton.
About the Survey:
The Export Ireland Survey is an annually published study, first undertaken in 1999, which aims to establish a comprehensive overview of the export sector. The survey’s broadly consistent approach is an important feature in increasing the value of the report’s findings year-on-year, allowing for the emergence of comparable recognisable trends. The survey invites some 1,500 companies to participate reflecting the number of companies in the national exporter population, balancing multinational and small and medium sized enterprises from both manufacturing and services sectors.
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