The Irish Exporters Association welcome the European Parliament’s approval of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

The Irish Exporters Association (IEA) has welcomed the European Parliament’s approval of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement during its April plenary session. The approval is the final step to ensuring that the agreement can formally enter into force.

Chief Executive of the Irish Exporters Association Simon McKeever commented: “Parliament’s approval of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement is monumental and solidifies the future relationship between the EU and the UK. We do regret the UK’s decision to leave the EU and the trade disruption that has ensued. One of the biggest challenges that Irish traders are continuing to meet, is the lack of preparedness in the UK from officials right down to within individual businesses. This is a major stumbling block to trade flows, and was particularly apparent in the first few months of this year.

While today’s approval gives some clarity to Irish exporters on trading arrangements with the UK, major issues remain. Northern Irish businesses’ access to existing and future EU trade agreements is a key issue to the functioning of the all-Ireland economy and an issue we continue to raise.

While Irish exporters, importers and supply chain actors are adapting to the new trading arrangements with our nearest neighbour, issues will continue to arise. We will continue to work with UK counterparts to resolve issues arising in Irish-UK trade flows and support Irish exporters find new routes to market.”