SCC COMMENT ON MANUFACTURED EXPORTS FIGURES

Commenting on today’s publication of official figures which show a decline in Scottish Manufactured Exports of 3.4% in the first quarter of 2009, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Although these figures are disappointing, the rate of decline in Scotland’s manufactured exports seems to have become more shallow in the early part of this year.  One of the main difficulties for our manufacturing businesses looking to export their products abroad has been a reduction in demand across virtually all international marketplaces, meaning that despite the favourable exchange rates earlier in the year, firms have been finding it challenging to boost overseas sales.

“This reduction in the rate of decline is welcome, but it is still too early to confidently make predictions as to whether the corner has been turned.  We will be looking closely at the results of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Business Survey, to be published later this month, in order to see whether this trend has continued into the second quarter of the year.

“Manufacturing remains a vital industry within the Scottish economy and its strength will provide a key indicator to our overall economic health.”

Ends.

Editor’s Notes:

Scottish manufacturing exports declined by 3.4% in the first quarter of 2009, according to figures released today by the Scottish Government.  Further details can be found at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Statistics/Browse/Economy/Exports/IME09Q1

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Quarterly Business Survey for the second quarter of 2009 will be published on Thursday 16 July 2009.

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