The volume of Irish trade increased significantly in April compared to March, according to preliminary estimates from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Exports increased by 12 per cent to €7,597 million while imports increased by 14 per cent to €4,716 million.
On the same basis for March 2005, relative to February 2005, exports decreased by 3 per cent to €6,805 million and imports decreased by 6 per cent to €4,154 million.
Comparing the first quarter of this year with the same period in 2004, exports decreased from €21,111 million to €20,621million, a fall of 2 per cent.
Exports of computer equipment decreased 7 per cent while exports of telecommunications and sound equipment fell by 26 per cent.
Road vehicles increased by 24 per cent; other transport equipment (including aviation) rose 63 per cent.