Poor trade figures for April have raised serious questions about the competitiveness of the economy, analysts warned last night.
Both Davy Stockbrokers and Alan McQuaid of Bloxham Stockbrokers said the emerging trade figures for the year to date suggest a serious loss of economic competitiveness on international markets.
Exports fell 10% in April 2006 while imports were down 12% compared to the previous month.
Unadjusted exports stood at €6.850bn in April, down 11% on the same time last year, while imports by value were down 8% to €4.671bn.