In 2020, Ireland imported over 75,000 tonnes of potatoes, 83,000 tonnes of cheese, 25,000 tonnes of tomatoes, over 20,000 tonnes of carrots and almost 61 million litres of water. In addition, almost 11,500 tonnes of tea were imported in the year.
In 2020, €9 billion of food and beverages were imported, an increase of almost €250 million on 2019, and an increase of €3.7 billion, or 70% when compared with 2010.
Ireland exported just over €13 billion of food and beverages in 2020, giving a trade surplus in this sector of €4 billion. Exports of food and beverages have increased by €4.9 billion (61%) between 2010 and 2020.
The United Kingdom is both our biggest export and import partner for food and beverages. In 2020, Ireland exported €4.8 billion of food and beverages to the UK and imported €4.3 billion.
| X-axis label | Exports | Imports |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 8.120417 | 5.304135 |
| 2011 | 8.960017 | 5.728793 |
| 2012 | 9.256177 | 6.362483 |
| 2013 | 9.82425 | 6.765957 |
| 2014 | 10.426023 | 6.938582 |
| 2015 | 11.117886 | 7.470718 |
| 2016 | 11.394341 | 7.52238 |
| 2017 | 12.734074 | 7.998636 |
| 2018 | 12.62082 | 8.705107 |
| 2019 | 13.485585 | 8.744706 |
| 2020 | 13.057979 | 8.990874 |
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