Brexit has triggered a major decline in food trade between Ireland and the UK, according to a report from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). The CSO noted that while sales to seven of Ireland’s 10 largest food and drink markets actually went up during the period, the decline in exports to Britain was greater, causing a decline in total food and drink exports. The decline in food exports to Britain may also reflect the impact of stockpiling in the lead-up to the UK’s official departure from the EU at the start of the year. The CSO’s report found that food and drink production is worth nearly €26 billion a year to the Irish economy. The snapshot of the food and drink industry – using 2018 data – also highlighted the sector’s reliance on EU subsidies.

Source: The Irish Times April 27, 2021 12:29 UTC