Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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188. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the countries to which food and drink products were exported in 2016; the final year figures for 2017, by value and volume of total exports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10786/18]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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189. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the countries to which food and drink products were imported in 2016; the final year figures for 2017, by volume and value of total imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10787/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 188 and 189 together.

Irish agrifood exports and imports are broken down into 24 categories identified and agreed by my Department and the Central Statistics Office.  Products and Raw goods are categorised using combined nomenclature codes, a European harmonised system used to classify goods for customs and trade purposes.  These categories include items such as Forestry and Animal Hides and Skins, along with traditional Food and Beverage products.

Total agrifood sector imports for 2016 came to €8.17 billion from over 180 destinations worldwide. 

Full year figures for 2017 indicate total agrifood imports for the period of €8.69 billion from over 180 destinations.

Total exports for 2016 came to €12.19 billion an increase of 1.8% from the previous year, and to over 180 destinations worldwide, this figure increased to €13.56 billion in 2017.

The tables contained in the following link provide a full breakdown of import and export destinations in respect of both value and volume of goods based on CSO data.

In view of the volume of statistical data collected as part of agrifood trade statistics, some errors in respect of individual products may occur.  Where these anomalies are identified, the Department will liaise with the Central Statistics Office to highlight and amend the information as required

Further information in respect of Irish agrifood trade can be found in Chapter 4 of my Department's Annual Review and Outlook, 2016 - 2017.