Manufacturing companies and North American Market lead the way for export growth in 2012Enterprise Ireland client companies achieved record exports in 2012 breaking the €16bn for the first time, up from €15.2bn in 2011. Greatest wins came from sectors such as Engineering, Software, Internationally Traded Services and Medical Devices, while the outstanding geographical performance came from USA, Asia Pacific and South America.
The announcement was made today (Friday) by Enterprise Ireland’s CEO, Frank Ryan, at an event hosted by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton T.D. in his Department in the presence of Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, T.D. and John Perry T.D., Minister for Small Business.
Throughout the year Irish companies continued to broaden their export footprint and increase their sales, in the face of increasing challenges across all global markets. The world economy is predicted to grow moderately (3.3%) in 2013 (Source: IMF April 2013) and the strong performance by Irish companies over the past year puts them in a very healthy position to capitalise on this growth. Enterprise Ireland is increasing its activities to support clients win new export business and build international networks and partnerships. 2013 will see a record number of ministerial-led trade missions with an increased focus on high growth economies in Asia, South America and the Middle East. This will be backed up a wide range of inward buyer visits, study visits, trade fairs, Embassy events and knowledge seminars, all aimed at linking Irish companies to international buyers, leading to increased exports and jobs for Ireland.
Making the announcement, Frank Ryan, CEO, Enterprise Ireland said:”In Enterprise Ireland we are proud of the companies we work with and their tremendous achievement in continuing to increase export sales. These companies are responsible for 300,000 jobs and spend over €18bn in the Irish economy each year by winning business all over the world. It is especially encouraging to see significant gains in established markets like North America, the High Growth Economies of Asia Pacific and record performances from advanced engineering, software and medical device sectors”.
Commenting on the results Minister Bruton said: “Dynamic and innovative Irish companies are central to the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and these results today confirm that they are continuing to deliver for the Irish economy. Exports create jobs and the record figures announced here today are very promising for employment growth over the coming years. I congratulate all Irish exporters on this performance and credit also to Frank and his team at Enterprise Ireland”
The Tánaiste added: “Developing new business in High Growth Economies while also remaining strong in our core markets is vital for the recovery of the Irish economy. Enterprise Ireland clients have demonstrated tremendous resilience in winning record sales in these markets. I witnessed this myself when leading the Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Turkey within the past fortnight and I look forward to continue working with them on trade missions and key international activities in 2013 and beyond”.
NOTES FOR EDITORS - About Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland is the Irish Government agency charged with developing and promoting Irish enterprise. Enterprise Ireland partners with entrepreneurs, Irish businesses, and the research and investment communities to develop Ireland’s international trade, innovation, leadership and competitiveness. The ultimate objective is increased exports, employment and prosperity in Ireland.
Under the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs 2013 Enterprise Ireland plays a key role across a wide number of actions aimed at supporting Irish companies increase their exports and create jobs. In 2012 the organisation introduced a range of initiatives in direct response to the demands of client companies, to support them achieve their ambitious export goals. This drive will continue in 2013. Enterprise Ireland will focus more resources towards driving exports, innovation and improving competitiveness, and on the strategies that deliver increased exports and jobs.
Highlights - Annual Business Review (ABR): Breakdown by sector and Geography
Sectors of significant growth
Sector
Exports
2011 €m
Exports
2012 €m
Change 11/12
€m%
Life Sciencs, Engineering, Paper Print & Packaging, Electronics & Cleantech
€2,152
€2,499
€347
+16%
Software & Public Procurement
€865
€1,028
€163
+19%
Geographical markets showing significant growth
Territory
2011
(€m)
2012
(€m)
Change
11/12%
Latin America
111
138
24%
USA/Canada
1,481
1,782
20%
Asia Pacific
875
1,022
17%