Irish traders confident

Trade

IRELAND's exporters are tops in Europe in terms of confidence, the latest HSBC Trade Confidence Index shows.

Confidence was boosted by a better outlook and strong economic growth in exports to the US and UK, as well as plans to move into less traditional markets like India and China.

"As a dynamic and very open economy, trade prospects look positive for Ireland... aided by robust expansions in the US and UK economies," said HSBC Ireland chief executive, Alan Duffy.