evidence: Businesses in Northern Ireland are reporting a strong appetite for international trade, according to the findings of a recent survey by Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and Invest Northern Ireland. [...] According to the report’s findings, near market customers in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland are key, with 89% of respondents selling to Great Britain and 89% also selling to the Republic of Ireland. The rest of the European Union is also a key sales market for around 7 in 10 members, followed by North America. Asia is an important market for purchases, with 41% of members buying goods from this market. [...] While most businesses are finding selling to GB and the EU straightforward, there remain issues with making purchases from GB for some firms. Around 1 in 3 members are finding this difficult and this year some 30% of members have purchased less from Great Britain (although 36% have purchased more). More members have increased purchases from outside the UK (54%).