McConalogue meets UK Counterpart on Trade Issues

“Bilateral Trade Continuing to Grow in Both Directions”

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue T.D, met his UK counterpart in London yesterday to discuss matters of mutual interest in relation to bilateral trade. The Rt. Hon Steve Barclay, was appointed UK Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in November 2023, and his department is responsible for the border controls applying to agri food goods imported to Great Britain from the European Union.

Commenting after the meeting, Minster McConalogue said:

“I had a very useful discussion with Secretary of State Barclay today. I impressed upon him our mutual interest in ensuring that trade in agri food goods between our two countries functions as effectively as possible, notwithstanding the more complex administrative and control arrangements required as a result of Brexit. In this context, and against the background of the introduction this year of enhanced UK controls on agricultural goods entering and transiting Great Britain from the EU, we have agreed that our officials will engage closely to iron out any technical issues that might arise and avoid any unnecessary friction for Irish exporters.”

The Ministers also welcomed the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive some two years after their collapse. Minister McConalogue acknowledged the very effective partnership approach that had led to the restoration of the institutions:

“The UK - Ireland bilateral relationship is deeply important to both countries. We are joint stewards of the Good Friday Agreement, close neighbours with unique and diverse community ties; and trading partners who share hugely significant economic and strategic links. The restoration of the Northern Ireland institutions was critically important, and of course the Windsor Framework provides an agreed basis that allows Northern Ireland, as part of the UK Internal Market, the unique advantage of access to the EU’s single market of nearly 450 million people. This can be a platform for growth and development in Northern Ireland into the future.”

Minister McConalogue also participated in a Business Breakfast of UK business leaders to discuss the state of Anglo-Irish relations in 2024. The Minister took this opportunity to highlight the positive commitment of the Irish Government to enhance the relationship with UK into the future.

Concluding, Minister McConalogue said:

“Bilateral trade between UK and Ireland continues to grow in both directions and was worth some €122 billion or about €2.4billion a week in 2023. The economic ties are extensive, integrated and mutually beneficial. We cannot however take these economic relationships for granted, Brexit has demonstrated that we must continue to invest in the bilateral relationship with UK to maximise the benefits for both countries. I and the whole Government are fully committed to this and my visit to London yesterday provided opportunities to emphasise that commitment to a range of UK business leaders.”

Overall Ireland-UK Trade

• Total bilateral trade in goods and services between Ireland and the UK was worth €122 billion, with exports from Ireland to the UK of €66 billion and imports from the UK to Ireland of €57 billion.

• Services trade makes up 58% of Ireland’s trade with the UK. 67% of Ireland’s exports to the UK were services exports with 33% being goods exports.

• Ireland was the UK’s fourth largest export market in 2022, ahead of China (excl HK and Macao) and France. US, NL and Germany were the top 3.

Ireland-UK Agri-food Trade

• Total bilateral trade in Agri-food goods between UK and Ireland was valued at €11.65billion in 2023 with Irish exports to UK worth €6.88billion and UK exports to Ireland worth €4.77billion.

• UK is No. 1 destination for Irish exports of Food and Drink representing 38% of total Irish exports in 2023.

• Ireland is 3rd largest source of UK imports of Food and Drink.

• Ireland is No.1 destination for UK exports of Food and Drink.

ENDS