Irish imports up by 35% in 01

1 February 2002




Irish imports up by 35% in 01

IMPORTS of agricultural machinery to the UK from Ireland last year are expected to be 35% higher than 2000, says Enterprise Ireland, the trade development body of the Irish government.

This increase would be inline with an overall rising trend of worldwide machinery exports from Ireland which, in 2000, were valued at £40.5m.

Michael Moroney, chief executive of the Irish Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association, says indications from manufacturers and dealers are for significant improvements to have been made last year – despite problems associated with foot-and-mouth.

Mr Moroney believes that, in the longer term, the trend will continue upwards.

"Irish companies have made increasing investment in production technology," he says. "With their reputation for quality and the fact that the exchange rate makes Irish machinery real value for money, there is a lot to build on for the future. &#42


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