CSO figures show strong trade figures for May

Irish exports increased significantly during May, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Central Statistics Office.

The figures show exports grew by 17 per cent from €6,818 million during April to €7,983 million in May.

Imports were up 6 per cent from €4,556 million in April to €4,822 million for the month of May.

External trade had experienced a significant downturn in April with exports recording a decrease of 10 per cent and imports recording a fall of 13 per cent.

However, despite the upturn in external trade during the month of May, total exports from January to April worth an estimated €29,170 million represent only a 1 per cent increase on the first four months of 2005 during which goods with estimated value of €28,792 million were exported.

The export of medical and pharmaceutical products increased by 7 per cent from €5,248 million to €5,627 million during this period with computer equipment increasing by 4 per cent from €4,279 million to €4,466 million.

During the same first four month period, imports increased by 6 per cent from €18,895 million in 2005 to €20,022 million this year.

The importation of computer equipment showed strong growth, recording a 21 per cent increase, while the importation of goods from China grew by 33 per cent from €1,010 million in 2005 to €1,349 million this year.