Written answers

Wednesday, 29 March 2006

Department of Agriculture and Food

Food Exports

11:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 228: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the number of countries to which Irish beef, pig meat and lamb are currently exported; the extent to which new markets have been established or old markets lost over the past five years; the countries with which Ireland has to compete in such markets; the degree to which Ireland is holding or losing it's competitive edge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12490/06]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Irish beef exports are now concentrated in the high value UK and continental markets. This is a result of the combination of the targeting of these high value markets by meat plants and the emergence of a significant beef deficit in the EU. The deficit this year is expected to be of the order of 350,000 tonnes or 5% of EU beef production. In 2005, we exported 487,000 tonnes of beef, all of which went to these markets, except for 35,000 tonnes which went to third country markets. This contrasts with the situation in 1999, when our exports to third country markets amounted to 309,000 tonnes out of total exports of 554,000 tonnes. The demand for Irish beef in the UK, our principal market and which takes almost 50% of our beef, continues to be strong. We also have a considerable level of trade with France, Italy, the Netherlands and Scandinavia. Russia is our main third country market, although Algeria and Egypt also import Irish beef. Our main competition comes from the domestic beef trade in the European markets supplied by Irish meat plants. Brazil and to a lesser extent, Argentina, also compete with us in European and third country markets.

According to the latest data available, Ireland's principal export markets for sheep meat in 2005 were, in order of importance, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and Belgium. Five years ago, the order of importance was France, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and Portugal. The principal change over five years previously is an increase in exports to the UK and a reduction in exports to France. Ireland competes primarily with the UK and New Zealand in export markets.

Pig meat is exported to 25 to 30 third countries and to EU countries, the most significant of these being the UK, Germany, Denmark, Japan, USA, Russia and Hong Kong. Negotiations are ongoing for market access to important trade countries such as China, Canada and South Africa. Following the signature of a protocol on pig meat trade with China early last year, a team of experts from China is due in Ireland in the coming weeks to examine conditions in our pig meat export plants. I am hopeful this will pave the way for trade to that important market. Our main competitors in the EU markets are Denmark and Netherlands, while third country competition mainly comes from USA, Canada and Brazil. Irish pig meat is maintaining its competitive position in these markets.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 229: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the countries to which Irish dairy products are currently exported; the new markets gained or old markets lost over the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12491/06]

Photo of Mary CoughlanMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Irish dairy sector has enjoyed much success on international and EU markets in recent years and performed solidly in 2005. Exports of Irish dairy products and ingredients amounted to €1.82 billion last year, as Irish exporters responded to strong market demand worldwide. Ireland exports a wide range of dairy products to over 100 countries worldwide. The main dairy exports from Ireland are butter, cheese, skimmed milk powder, whole milk powder and casein. Baby food, liqueurs, dairy spreads, etc., which contain dairy ingredients are also exported. Approximately two-thirds of all dairy exports from Ireland are destined for EU member states. The main destination is the UK, which accounted for 33% of our dairy exports in 2004.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.