Exports from the State slumped to their lowest levels in over a year last November, according to estimates released yesterday by the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Following a significant pick-up in October, export levels dropped by 10 per cent in November to €7.14 billion, the lowest level recorded since July 2005.
However, comparing export levels recorded between January to October 2006 with the same period in 2005, a 3 per cent increase was evident.
The level of beverages being exported increased by 37 per cent to break the €1 billion mark by October, while exports of organic chemicals rose by 9 per cent. These strong performances were counteracted by the tailing off of exports of certain manufactured goods, such as clothing and scientific apparatus.
Although the level of goods being exported to destinations such as Malaysia, Belgium and the United States displayed marked increases, exports to Switzerland, France and Japan dwindled somewhat.
Meanwhile, the level of goods imported into the State remained relatively stable in November at €5.17 billion, having crept up slightly in October.
Figures available for the January to October period showed that the level of imported goods increased by 6 per cent year-on-year. This increase was driven mainly by increased levels of computer equipment being imported into the State.
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