Northern Ireland sees rise in manufacturing sales and exports

Sales and exports by manufacturing companies have risen at a faster rate over the last year than in previous years.

The latest figures from the Northern Ireland Manufacturing Sales and Exports survey estimate sales by manufacturing companies to be worth £14.8billion in 2006/07. This is an increase of 6.2% in cash prices and 4.3% in real terms over the year. Sales to Great Britain account for 41.8% of total sales and fell by 0.2% over the year in real terms to £6.2billion.

Exports represent a vital income for the Northern Ireland economy with over a third of all sales (34.2%) made by manufacturing businesses generated from international customers. Exports have risen over the year by 9.6% in real terms to £5.1billion. This represents a higher annual growth rate than the annual average growth rate (2.6%) over the period 2001/02 to 2005/06.

The Irish Republic remains an important export market for Northern Ireland sales with exports continuing to rise this year by 15.5% in real terms to an estimated £1.5billion. Sales outside the UK and Republic of Ireland were worth £3.5billion in 2006/07.

Commenting on the figures Economy Minister Nigel Dodds said: “The increase in exports over the year shows that Northern Ireland manufacturing companies are performing well in the international marketplace.

“Manufacturing companies have enjoyed considerable export growth over the last year compared to previous years. However, we need to extend our export base in terms of the number of companies selling overseas. To ensure continual export success I would encourage companies to optimise all available opportunities to further develop new markets.”

Notes to Editors:

1. General information can be obtained from Sharon McCullagh, DETI Statistics Research Branch, on tel: 028 9052 9505 and detailed statistical information is available on www.statistics.detini.gov.uk
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