Exports from Ireland to Great Britain soared in the first six months after Brexit as imports sent in the opposite direction declined, according to Irish government figures. However, imports from Great Britain fell by more than €2.5bn, or 32%, to stand at €5.3bn in the same period. According to the CSO, exports from Great Britain to Ireland decreased by 16% in June compared with the same month in 2020, with food, live animals and manufactured goods hit hardest. This may go some way to explain why exports of food and live animals from Ireland to Great Britain rose from €315m in June 2020 to €322m in June 2021, while imports to Ireland almost halved from €243m to €119m. Sign up to the daily Business Today email or follow Guardian Business on Twitter at @BusinessDeskPrevious studies indicate trade between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland has benefited from Brexit, with Northern Ireland businesses now sourcing some raw ingredients south of the border because of the absence of trade barriers.

Source: The Guardian August 17, 2021 17:06 UTC