Enterprise Ireland boss: true impact of Brexit on trade is still unclear

Figures are hard to read due to added influence of Covid, chief executive said. And food trade has remained surprisingly resilient in face of challenges

Leo Clancy: ‘Various factors have impacted trade levels including Covid-19 restrictions and the stockpiling at the start of the year that might feed into the export numbers so far this year.’ Picture: Fergal Ward

It is still too early to tell what impact Brexit will have on Irish trade with Britain in the long-term, Leo Clancy, the new chief executive of Enterprise Ireland, has said.

Client companies of the state agency recorded exports of €7.5 billion to the UK in 2020, which was down almost 4 per cent on the previous year. The UK remains the largest market for Irish exporters accounting for 29 per cent of total exports. ...