Northern Ireland’s premier port, Belfast Harbour, has reported a 32% decline in timber imports for 2010 – the lowest level for 16 years.
Belfast Harbour’s annual trade figures show timber imports were down to 82,000 tonnes.
Harbour commercial director Joe O’Neill said challenges persisted in some areas such as construction products, but he stressed that overall trade through the port was up by 5.4%.
“While issues remain over the strength of the economic recovery – particularly in the Republic of Ireland which accounts for 20% of Belfast Harbour’s trade – there are good reasons to be optimistic about future trends,” he said.
Mr O’Neill said signs of increased manufacturing activity and tentative recovery were being seen in Northern Ireland.
