By Business & Finance 
Enterprise Ireland companies saw an increase of 10% in exports in 2015, compared with 2014, amounting to an all-time high of €20.6bn.
Significant growth was recorded in exports across all sectors and in the majority of export territories according to the official figures published today.
The export figure is now almost double what it was 10 years ago.
There were increases of 32% in exports for internationally traded software companies to €1.8bn, 21% in exports for construction and consumer companies to €2.8bn
The results also show that exports have increased across most territories with exports to the USA and Canada increasing by 27% to almost €3bn; exports to the UK increasing by 12% to €7.5bn, and exports to northern Europe increasing by 8% to €4.2bn.
A key aspect of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy was the co-ordination of trade missions to high growth economies including China, Africa and the Middle East. This was backed up by a wide range of inward buyer visits, market study visits, international trade fairs, embassy events and knowledge seminars, all aimed at linking Irish companies with international buyers, leading to increased exports and jobs for Ireland.
Enterprise Ireland clients also recorded a spend of €23.7bn in the domestic market, representing an increase of €3.4bn since 2013. The contribution of Enterprise Ireland client companies to the domestic economy is very important, particularly from a regional perspective, as it sustains and creates jobs both directly and indirectly.
Julie Sinnamon, CEO, Enterprise Ireland, commented: “Enterprise Ireland’s role is to help Irish companies export globally. The 2015 export figure of €20.6bn demonstrates the scale of the success that Irish companies are seeing in terms of winning business at record levels internationally. Significantly, growth was recorded across all sectors and we are seeing that diversification into high growth markets is a focus for our clients.
She continued: “The UK remains our largest export market, but we are seeing a trend whereby the exports to the UK as a proportion of our total client exports has declined from 45% in 2005 to 37% in 2015, as more companies have diversified their export strategies into Northern Europe, the USA and high growth markets including China, India, the Gulf and Brazil.”
