Jarlath O'Keefe comment on the August 2021 CSO Import/Export figures

The August CSO figures have shown that the value of exports from Ireland increased by €660 million compared to July 2021 and increased by €160 million when compared to August 2020. Imports have grown by a staggering €1.2 billion in August 2021 compared to August 2020.

Great Britain remains an important player in Ireland's export market and this is evidenced by the fact that exports to Great Britain increased by €1.6 billion in the first eight months of 2021 ( 21%). However, the previous over-reliance on the British market is no longer the case, given that exports to Great Britain accounted for 7% of overall exports from Ireland. This demonstrates that the Irish market is continually sourcing new markets for its products. Irish exports to the EU and US represent 37% and 32% respectively of total exports in the year to date.

IBR July 2021 - Optimism and outlook

New research from Grant Thornton Ireland has revealed that 76% of Irish businesses are optimistic about the outlook of the economy over the coming 12 months as domestic and international markets recover and the world reopens post-pandemic. The research carried in the first half of 2021 for the Grant Thornton International Business Report put Ireland ahead of countries including the UK, France and Germany for levels of optimism among local businesses. Ireland ranks fourth of 29 economies surveyed on business optimism and is highest of all the European countries surveyed.