All-island trade statistics
Cross-border shopping is a subject that attracts considerable media attention. It is driven largely by economic factors although there was also an initial curiosity that was aided by improved infrastructure links across the border. The key economic factor is the price differential which has declined in recent years due in no small part to the transparency that a more open island market has brought.
The price differential is also influenced by the Euro/Sterling exchange rate and movements in VAT and excise duties. Distance from the border also matters with households from the Border counties being much more frequent cross-border shoppers than those living further afield.
The link below, shows the percentage of Irish-registered cars in a selection of border-located shopping centres in Northern Ireland, which has proven to give an accurate indication of the peaks and troughs of cross-border shopping activity.
Cross Border Shopping Q3 2012 (272 KB)
For more information on Cross Border Shopping, follow the link below: