Welsh exports increase bucks UK trend

The latest figures released by HM Customs & Excise, show that Wales is outperforming the rest of the UK with an increase in the value of exports compared with the previous 12 months.

The latest Regional Trade Estimates show that Welsh exports for the four quarters up to June 2009 increased by 8.4 per cent on the previous four quarters - the biggest increase of all the devolved countries and English regions.

Whilst the total value of UK exports for the 12 months to June was down by 0.4 per cent on the previous year, the value of exports from Wales rose by £799 million.

Welcoming the news, the Minister for Economy and Transport Ieuan Wyn Jones said:

"These latest figures are very encouraging - particularly as we have been working hard with businesses in Wales find new export opportunities since the start of the recession.

"Trade missions, like the recent visit to Washington in which over 80 Welsh companies were introduced to potential trade partners in the USA, are just one way we have been able to help secure new export opportunities for Welsh businesses."