Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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266. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which Ireland’s trade with various European countries throughout the European Union continues to grow; the way in which this compares with other countries globally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23076/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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My Department, working through our diplomatic missions abroad, takes its trade promotion role very seriously. Our Embassies and Consulates take every opportunity to promote Irish business abroad, conscious that trade is a key driver of the Irish economy.

Ireland’s merchandise trade continues to grow. Last year it reached more than €182 billion, the highest figure ever. The European Union is our largest trading partner, accounting for about 56% of total trade, of which the UK last year accounted for 26% of exports and 44% of imports; Germany 13% of exports and 14% of imports; and Belgium 24% of exports and 3% of imports. And trade with the EU is growing. Last year, the value of total trade (imports and exports) with the EU reached more than €101 billion.

Ireland’s services exports and imports to EU countries have also grown significantly in recent years. There was a slight decline in the value of services exports and imports immediately following 2008, but subsequent years have shown growth, particularly in services exports. Services exports to the EU-27 grew by 13% between 2013 and 2014, exceeding growth in services exports to North America, Africa and Asia.

Other major trade partners are the United States (23 percent of exports and 12 percent of imports) and China. Trade with NAFTA countries (US, Canada and Mexico) has been growing strongly over the past decade with the value of imports and exports combined up approximately 61%. As Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am determined to lead the Government’s efforts to diversify and open up our exports globally. This is critical to Ireland’s economic success, but takes on a renewed importance in light of the UK‘s decision to leave the EU.

On 20 July I am chairing a meeting of the Export Trade Council to consider, along with other key Ministers and the State Agencies, how to step up our efforts in this regard.