Exports up 3% in first four months of year
The value of Irish exports increased by 3% in the first four months of this year, despite the recession, according to the latest external trade figures from the CSO.
The statistics agency says goods exports to the US increased by 20% during the period, while exports to Britain were down 7%.
The value of imports, meanwhile, fell by 21% in the first four months of the year, mainly due to a 77% decline in the importation of road vehicles.
Imports of computer equipment were also down 34%, while imports of petroleum products were down 31%.
In April, the value of goods exported from Ireland reached a record high of €7.8bn.
This slipped back to €6.8bn in May, seasonally adjusted, a fall of 13%.
"There is an obvious explanation for part of the slippage," according to a CSO statement.
"More than 75% of goods exports are priced in dollars, thanks to the domination of US-owned multinationals in Irish manufacturing.
"The dollar fell sharply against the euro by 7% month-on-month in May compared with April. This directly reduces the value of exports translated into euro."
