CSO figures boost Govt with improved exports
The Central Statistics Office has released figures showing that Ireland's exports increased by 10% in August.
Exports in August were up 10% on July, according to seasonally adjusted figure while Ireland’s trade surplus rose 15% compared with July, to €3.7bn.
The figures also show that exports in August 2011 were up 5% compared with August 2010, according to unadjusted figures.
The Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton has welcomed this morning’s trade figures.
Mr Bruton said: "If we are to see the recovery we are all working so hard to achieve, a strong export performance will be crucial.
"Today’s figures, which indicate that the strong performance in exports over recent months is continuing, show that an export-led recovery is a real possibility. They are particularly welcome after a period of mixed news about the global economy into which we export.
The figures follow last week’s Eurostat figures showing that Ireland has the third largest trade surplus in the EU, after Germany and the Netherlands.
Mr Bruton said: "However, any signs of recovery are fragile, and we have a long way to go. I am determined to keep driving change to improve competitiveness, increase access to finance, and encourage innovation so that our exports can lead a sustainable recovery across the economy."
