Ireland's exports of goods reached €92 billion last year, the highest level in a decade, new data from the Central Statistics Office showed.
The value of the State's exports rose by 1 per cent year on year, while imports increased by 1.5 per cent to €49 billion, giving a trade surplus of almost €43 billion for the year.
The rise came even as exports of medical and pharmaceutical products fell by 7 per cent compared with 2011, dropping to €24.5 billion.
The US remained the top market for Irish exports, with Belgium and Britain close behind.
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There was a rise in the value of petroleum imports of €441 million, or 35 per cent, to €1.6 billion.
Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton welcomed the figures.
