SCC Comment on Scottish Export Figures

Thursday 5th July

Commenting on the news that Scotland’s manufactured exports shrank by 0.6% in the first quarter of 2012, Liz Cameron, Chief Executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“After a period of flat export growth in the second half of 2011, it is disappointing that exports have dipped into negative territory at the beginning of this year.  It seems apparent that much of this fall was due to a weakness in drinks exports and this should underline the need to ensure that our drinks industry is valued and treated fairly by Government, especially in terms of taxation and regulation.

“We must also remember that seven of Scotland’s top ten export destinations are Eurozone countries and a more general and sustainable recovery in exports will require the adoption of an effective plan to deal with the continental debt crisis.

“Scotland’s manufacturing sector has proved its resilience time and time again during the recession and our businesses are well placed to capitalise on opportunities as and when they present themselves.”

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