Exports show rise for January
Trade statistics released by the CSO today show that exports in January increased by almost 4% in January 2005 over the same month in 2004.
The statistics also show that preliminary figures for February show that exports in the January – February period declined marginally (-0.3%) over the same period in 2004.
The Minister for Trade and Commerce, Michael Ahern said: “It is too early to see a significant trend in the 2005 figures, but it appears that the tight market conditions for exporters which emerged in the latter part of 2004 are continuing.
“The surge in exports to the US is welcome, but clearly the lower levels of economic growth in the EU, which takes about two-thirds of our exports, are making it difficult for exporters in those markets.”
Exports to the US increased by 48.6% in January over the same month in 2004, a surge which is not likely to be sustained.
Exports to the EU declined by 4.75% for the month over January 2004.
“I firmly believe that Irish companies can continue to win contracts across the globe,” stressed the Minister, “and the Government remains committed to assisting them to do that. In the first six months of this year, together with the President, the Taoiseach and my ministerial colleagues, I will be leading eleven overseas trade missions in key markets to that end.
“In addition, the recent launch of the Government’s reinvigorated Asia Strategy will assist Irish companies to develop their sales throughout the Asia-Pacific region”.
