Exports have increased for the second month in a row, according to seasonally adjusted figures released by the CSO.
Exports increased by €569m (over 5%) in May 2019 compared with April 2019 to just under €13.2bn, according to preliminary figures.
Seasonally adjusted goods imports decreased by 8% on April's figures.
The value of goods exports so far this year is €64bn, while the value of goods imports in the same period is €34.5bn
The value of goods imports from January to May 2019 was €34.5bn, which is an increase of €893m compared with the same period last year.
Exports to Great Britain increased by €52m in May 2019 compared with May 2018.
The EU accounted for half of all exports, while the USA was the main non-EU destination accounting for 28% of exports.