Ireland was the second largest exporter of reagents used for diagnostic tests in the EU last year, according to a report published by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) today.
Using products identified by the World Customs Organisation, the report said exports of reagents by Ireland were worth €17.7 billion in 2019.
It said the reagents were used to diagnose other illnesses as tests for Covid-19 were only developed this year. But it said it was "unclear whether or not these products could be used to test for Covid-19'.
The report also noted that Ireland is the fourth largest exporter of medical devices that can be used to treat Covid-19. These include ventilators.
The biggest export market for these products is the US.
But the report also found that Europe is very reliant on China when it comes to personal protective equipment (PPE). 46% of EU imports of PPE come from China.
