Food drives Northern Ireland growth in exports

Food sales abroad drove the record growth in Northern Ireland's exports during the second quarter of this year. Overall exports of Northern Ireland manufactured goods rose by 12 percent to £8.4bn.

Export of food products, Northern Ireland's largest manufacturing industry, rose by an impressive 19 percent during the quarter to £1.2bn, with the Republic of Ireland being the main destination for exporters.

The export statistics are produced quarterly by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Exports of food to the Republic rose by 14 percent in the period and benefited a broad range of manufacturers taking advantage of weaker sterling values against the euro.

Other key markets for Northern Ireland food were the US, France and the Netherlands.
Overall, export of goods from Northern Ireland to the Republic increased by 12 percent in the second quarter of 2017 when compared to the same period in 2016.

The total value of those exports was just under £2.3bn, which is the best quarter on record in nominal terms.

The figures from HMRC show the biggest increase in exports was to the Republic of Ireland, with the value up 14 percent. The next largest increase was to Canada, up by 13 percent.

The majority of Northern Ireland's exports, 53 percent, went to the EU, with 29 percent going to North America.

Most categories of goods saw an increase in exports.